MINI CHALLENGE News

MINI CHALLENGE CHAMPION PICKS UP TOP BARC AWARD

MINI CHALLENGE CHAMPION PICKS UP TOP BARC AWARD

Double Vertu MINI CHALLENGE champion Dan Zelos has been rewarded for his success on track in 2023 after being named as the winner of The President’s Cup during the annual British Automobile Racing Club awards.

NATHAN EDWARDS SIGNS OFF WITH RACE THREE SUCCESS

NATHAN EDWARDS SIGNS OFF WITH RACE THREE SUCCESS

Nathan Edwards brought the curtain down on the 2023 Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season with a fine drive to victory in the final race of the campaign at Brands Hatch – although only after late heartache for rival Sam Gornall.

SIX-WAY FIGHT SET FOR COOPER FINALE

SIX-WAY FIGHT SET FOR COOPER FINALE

The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season draws to a close this weekend at Brands Hatch and with just three races left to run around the short Indy circuit, six drivers still retain a chance of securing the championship title.

JAMIE OSBORNE DELIGHTED BY 2023 PROGRESSION

JAMIE OSBORNE DELIGHTED BY 2023 PROGRESSION

Jamie Osborne admits he was delighted with the progression shown on track in 2023 after securing silverware in his second season in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE. Running under the NAPA Racing UK banner, Osborne secured a breakthrough win in the series…

OX4 SIGNS OFF WITH SILVERWARE

OX4 SIGNS OFF WITH SILVERWARE

The OX4 Racing team will hope to return to the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE for a second successive season after rounding out 2023 with a Directors Cup victory at Brands Hatch. The team, which operates from the MINI factory in Oxford, had sat out the 2022 season before...

HARVEY RIBY TO RETURN FOR 2024 COOPER PROGRAMME

HARVEY RIBY TO RETURN FOR 2024 COOPER PROGRAMME

Harvey Riby will return to the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy in 2024 after signing up for a second season with EXCELR8. Riby joined the team this season as he took the step into car racing for the first time, having previously enjoyed success in karting as he...

DAN ZELOS PROUD OF SECOND JCW TITLE

DAN ZELOS PROUD OF SECOND JCW TITLE

Dan Zelos declared himself proud of his second title in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE after wrapping up the crown in the opening race of the weekend at Brands Hatch.

SAM WELLER SIGNS OFF WITH VICTORY

SAM WELLER SIGNS OFF WITH VICTORY

Sam Weller brought his time as Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE champion to an end with victory in the final race of the 2023 season at Brand Hatch.

SAM SMITH HEADS HYBRID TUNE LOCK OUT

SAM SMITH HEADS HYBRID TUNE LOCK OUT

Sam Smith made it two wins from two at Brands Hatch as Hybrid Tune locked out the podium in the second Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE race of the weekend at Brands Hatch.

MINI CHALLENGE ANNOUNCES EXTENDED VERTU PARTNERSHIP

MINI CHALLENGE ANNOUNCES EXTENDED VERTU PARTNERSHIP

Organisers of the MINI CHALLENGE can today confirm that the existing title partnership agreement with Vertu Motors – a retail brand part of the Vertu Motors group – will continue into 2024 in a new, extended deal.

WILL ORTON BATTLES TO RACE ONE VICTORY

WILL ORTON BATTLES TO RACE ONE VICTORY

Will Orton battled his way to the head of the pack to snare his fifth win of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE season in the opening race of the weekend at Silverstone.

ZELOS AIMS TO STAY OUT FRONT AS PACK GIVES CHASE

ZELOS AIMS TO STAY OUT FRONT AS PACK GIVES CHASE

A week after three action-packed races for the Cooper category at the same circuit, it’s the turn of the JCW field to hit the track at Silverstone as the Home of British Motorsport plays host to the penultimate meeting of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE season.

RHYS HURD RACES TO MAIDEN VICTORY

RHYS HURD RACES TO MAIDEN VICTORY

Having become a regular contender for podium finishes, Rhys Hurd added his name to the list of winners in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy with a battling performance in the final race of the weekend at Silverstone.

SAM GORNALL DELIGHTED WITH MAIDEN PODIUM

SAM GORNALL DELIGHTED WITH MAIDEN PODIUM

Sam Gornall admitted his delight after securing a maiden podium finish in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy during the opening race of the weekend at Silverstone.

NATHAN EDWARDS GRABS SILVERSTONE POLE

NATHAN EDWARDS GRABS SILVERSTONE POLE

Nathan Edwards proved to be the man to beat in qualifying at Silverstone after grabbing his maiden pole position in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy.

GRAVES TRIO LOOK TO CHASE DOWN OVENDEN

GRAVES TRIO LOOK TO CHASE DOWN OVENDEN

The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy heads to Silverstone this weekend for the penultimate weekend of the season, and three races that could go a long way towards deciding who emerges from the campaign on top of the pile.

MINI CHALLENGE REVEALS PROVISIONAL 2024 RACE DATES

MINI CHALLENGE REVEALS PROVISIONAL 2024 RACE DATES

Organisers of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE can today confirm that the 2024 season will once again feature a total of 14 race dates split between the headline JCW category and the entry-level MINI CHALLENGE Trophy.

ALEX SOLLEY CLOSES GAP WITH RACE ONE WIN

ALEX SOLLEY CLOSES GAP WITH RACE ONE WIN

Alex Solley has moved back into second spot in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy standings after scoring his fourth win of the season in race one at Donington Park.

COOPERS GET SET FOR DONINGTON DRAMA

COOPERS GET SET FOR DONINGTON DRAMA

The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy returns to Donington Park’s full GP circuit for a second successive season this weekend for the latest three chapters in what is turning out to be an intriguing championship battle.

TOMMY GILHAM JOINS DONINGTON PARK GRID

TOMMY GILHAM JOINS DONINGTON PARK GRID

Tommy Gilham will make his debut in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy this weekend after agreeing a deal that will see him line up on the grid with the Chandler Motorsport squad.

DAN ZELOS DOUBLES UP TO STRENGTHEN POINTS LEAD

DAN ZELOS DOUBLES UP TO STRENGTHEN POINTS LEAD

Dan Zelos overturned the penalty of the reverse grid draw to battle his way to a second win of the weekend as the curtain came down on the latest meeting for the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE at Knockhill.

DAN ZELOS MAINTAINS 100% QUALIFYING RECORD

DAN ZELOS MAINTAINS 100% QUALIFYING RECORD

Dan Zelos maintained his impressive record of qualifying on pole for every round of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE with the fastest time in challenging conditions at Knockhill.

JACK BYRNE BATTLES TO RACE TWO HONOURS

JACK BYRNE BATTLES TO RACE TWO HONOURS

For the second weekend in row, Jack Byrne battled hard to secure victory in the reverse grid race as he picked up his third win of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE season.

MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY – THE SEASON SO FAR

MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY – THE SEASON SO FAR

The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season resumes this weekend at Croft after the early summer break, with the trip to North Yorkshire marking the half-way stage of the 2023 campaign.

LASER TOOLS RACING JOINS JCW GRID WITH NELSON KING

LASER TOOLS RACING JOINS JCW GRID WITH NELSON KING

The Laser Tools Racing name will feature in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE through the remainder of the 2023 season as a result of a new partnership with series front-runner Nelson King and the Graves Motorsport team.

MANNPOWER MOTORSPORT TO EXPAND INTO JCW CLASS

MANNPOWER MOTORSPORT TO EXPAND INTO JCW CLASS

Norfolk-based race team Mannpower Motorsport has announced plans to expand its involvement in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE to include an entry into the headline JCW category next season.

DAN HEADS THE PACK AHEAD OF OULTON PARK DOUBLE DUTY

DAN HEADS THE PACK AHEAD OF OULTON PARK DOUBLE DUTY

After the Coopers joined the BTCC package for the first time this season at Thruxton two weeks ago, the fight for the JCWs title takes centre stage again this weekend as the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE heads for Oulton Park.

ALEX SOLLEY BATTLES TO RACE ONE HONOURS

ALEX SOLLEY BATTLES TO RACE ONE HONOURS

Alex Solley produced a battling drive in the opening Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy race of the weekend at Thruxton to score his second win around the fastest circuit on the calendar.

MAX HALL SCORES MAIDEN POLE AT THRUXTON

MAX HALL SCORES MAIDEN POLE AT THRUXTON

On the back of a double win last time out at Snetterton, Max Hall secured a maiden pole position in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after topping the times ahead of round three at Thruxton.

THRUXTON THRILLS NEXT UP FOR COOPER CLAN

THRUXTON THRILLS NEXT UP FOR COOPER CLAN

The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy joins the British Touring Car Championship support package for the first time in 2023 at Thruxton this weekend, with a packed Cooper field heading for the fastest circuit in the UK.

DOMINIC WHEATLEY GRABS PODIUM ON CRAZY WEEKEND

DOMINIC WHEATLEY GRABS PODIUM ON CRAZY WEEKEND

Dominic Wheatley was able to celebrate a second podium of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE season at Snetterton – and it wouldn’t be the only on-track action for the Graves Motorsport man…

NELSON KING OPENS JCW ACCOUNT

NELSON KING OPENS JCW ACCOUNT

Nelson King made the most of being drawn on pole for the final race of the weekend at Snetterton to snare his first win in the headline class of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE.

DAN ZELOS DOUBLES UP AS WILL ORTON HITS TROUBLE

DAN ZELOS DOUBLES UP AS WILL ORTON HITS TROUBLE

Dan Zelos made it two wins from two with another lights-to-flag victory in the second Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE race of the weekend at Snetterton as main title rival Will Orton saw his impressive podium run come to an end.

WILL ORTON LEADS JCW CHARGE INTO SNETTERTON

WILL ORTON LEADS JCW CHARGE INTO SNETTERTON

A week after the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy enjoyed three action-packed races at Snetterton, the headline JCW class heads for the longest circuit on the calendar for the third round of the campaign.

SIBLINGS SET FOR SNETTERTON SHOWDOWN

SIBLINGS SET FOR SNETTERTON SHOWDOWN

Brothers Daniel and Jamie Petters will hope to make forward progress on home soil this weekend when the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE heads to Snetterton for the third round of the campaign.

SAM WELLER JOINS SNETTERTON JCW GRID

SAM WELLER JOINS SNETTERTON JCW GRID

The reigning Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE champion will return to the series this weekend at Snetterton after Sam Weller confirmed that he will contest his home event.

MAX HALL GOES ONE BETTER FOR MAIDEN WIN

MAX HALL GOES ONE BETTER FOR MAIDEN WIN

Having grabbed a first podium finish in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy in race one, Max Hall went one better to grab a maiden victory in a shortened second race of the weekend at Snetterton.

NICKY TAYLOR CONVERTS POLE INTO HOME WIN

NICKY TAYLOR CONVERTS POLE INTO HOME WIN

Nicky Taylor backed up his strong form from qualifying by scoring a first Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy since 2021 in the opening race of the weekend at Snetterton.

NICKY TAYLOR FLIES IN TO GRAB MAIDEN POLE

NICKY TAYLOR FLIES IN TO GRAB MAIDEN POLE

Despite only flying in from Florida on Saturday morning, Nicky Taylor emerged on top of the times to grab his maiden Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE pole position on home soil at Snetterton.

TIGHT COOPER FIGHT HEADS FOR SNETTERTON

TIGHT COOPER FIGHT HEADS FOR SNETTERTON

The Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy rolls into Snetterton this weekend for the second meeting of the season, and despite the fact there have only been three races so far in 2023, a fascinating battle for title honours is already developing at the head of the field.

ROOKIE BIDS TO RETAIN ADVANTAGE AT BRANDS

ROOKIE BIDS TO RETAIN ADVANTAGE AT BRANDS

Two weeks after a dramatic start to the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE season at Donington Park, the series heads for Brands Hatch this weekend with one of the new names to the championship holding the early advantage at the top of the points.

LEARNING THE MAIN GOAL FOR ROOKIE KATIA LOGGIE

LEARNING THE MAIN GOAL FOR ROOKIE KATIA LOGGIE

Katia Loggie says her main goal is benefit from the experience of multiple champions EXCELR8 after joining the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy grid for her first season of competitive motorsport.

DAN ZELOS VOWS TO BE ‘FIGHTING FIT’ FOR BRANDS HATCH

DAN ZELOS VOWS TO BE ‘FIGHTING FIT’ FOR BRANDS HATCH

Dan Zelos insists he will be ‘fighting fit’ for the next rounds of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE at Brands Hatch after the former champion was caught in the dramatic incident that brought racing at Donington Park to an early end.

STATEMENT: SAM SMITH

STATEMENT: SAM SMITH

The following statement is issued on behalf of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE and Hybrid Tune

WILL ORTON OPENS MINI CHALLENGE ACCOUNT

WILL ORTON OPENS MINI CHALLENGE ACCOUNT

Will Orton ended his first weekend in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE with victory in the final race at Donington Park, which would come to an early end following an incident involving team-mate Sam Smith.

DAN ZELOS AT THE DOUBLE

DAN ZELOS AT THE DOUBLE

Dan Zelos made it two wins from two in the 2023 Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE with victory in a wet second race of the weekend at Donington Park.

DAN ZELOS GRABS FIRST POLE OF 2023

DAN ZELOS GRABS FIRST POLE OF 2023

Former champion Dan Zelos emerged as the man to beat in the first Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE qualifying session of the season as he topped the times at Donington Park.

NEW LOOK JCW FIELD GETS SET FOR BUSINESS

NEW LOOK JCW FIELD GETS SET FOR BUSINESS

After the Cooper class season kicked off at Brands Hatch earlier this month, the JCW field springs into action this weekend as the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE heads for Donington Park for the opening meeting of the campaign.

WILL ORTON INKS HYBRID TUNE DEAL

WILL ORTON INKS HYBRID TUNE DEAL

Will Orton will make his debut in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE this season after signing a deal with defending champions Hybrid Tune.

BUMPER ENTRY GETS SET FOR BRANDS HATCH

BUMPER ENTRY GETS SET FOR BRANDS HATCH

Five months after Nelson King successfully wrapped up the 2022 title in wet conditions at Brands Hatch, the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy returns to the Kent circuit this weekend to get the 2023 season underway.

EIGHT-STRONG LINE-UP FOR GRAVES TROPHY CAMPAIGN

EIGHT-STRONG LINE-UP FOR GRAVES TROPHY CAMPAIGN

Graves Motorsport has confirmed that it will field an eight driver line-up in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE Trophy this season as it bids to try and retain the title it won last season with Nelson King.

JAMSPORT MAKES MINI CHALLENGE RETURN

JAMSPORT MAKES MINI CHALLENGE RETURN

JamSport has confirmed that it will return to the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE this season after announcing an entry into the JCW class with Marlo Cordell.

COOPER CHAMPION NELSON KING MAKES JCW SWITCH

COOPER CHAMPION NELSON KING MAKES JCW SWITCH

Following a dominant run to the Cooper class title last season, Nelson King will make the step up to the headline class of the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE in 2023 after extending his deal with Graves Motorsport.

NELSON KING SWIMS TO RACE TWO WIN

NELSON KING SWIMS TO RACE TWO WIN

Nelson King made the most of his position at the head of the field to secure a second win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE finale at Brands Hatch.

NELSON KING WRAPS UP TITLE WITH TENTH WIN

NELSON KING WRAPS UP TITLE WITH TENTH WIN

Nelson King produced another fine drive to secure a tenth win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season in the opening race at Brands Hatch – giving him an unassailable lead in the championship standings.

SAM WELLER TOPS AUTOSPORT RANKINGS

SAM WELLER TOPS AUTOSPORT RANKINGS

Sam Weller has been named as the top driver from the British Touring Car Championship support package in the annual top ten list put together by Autosport magazine.

MATT HAMMOND BIDS TO WRAP UP SECOND

MATT HAMMOND BIDS TO WRAP UP SECOND

Former champion Matt Hammond says his focus is on wrapping up second in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy standings on the back of his best weekend of the year at Donington Park.

KING’S FIRST CHANCE TO BE CROWNED

KING’S FIRST CHANCE TO BE CROWNED

The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy heads for Donington Park this weekend for the penultimate weekend of the season, with Nelson King looking to continue what appears to be his relentless march towards the title.

ALEX DENNING PROUD OF ROOKIE RECORD

ALEX DENNING PROUD OF ROOKIE RECORD

Alex Denning says is he proud of his record after an impressive first full season in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE saw him go close to the championship title.

MINI CHALLENGE UNVEIL 2023 CALENDARS

MINI CHALLENGE UNVEIL 2023 CALENDARS

Organisers of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE can today confirm a total of 14 race dates for the 2023 season, split evenly between the headline JCW category and the MINI CHALLENGE Trophy.

FIVE IN THE FIGHT FOR BRANDS HATCH FINALE

FIVE IN THE FIGHT FOR BRANDS HATCH FINALE

A season long fight to secure top honours in the QUAIFE MINI CHALLENGE draws to a close this weekend, with five drivers still harbouring hopes of winning the title as the series makes a second visit of the year to Brands Hatch.

SAM WELLER SET FOR SAME APPROACH AT BRANDS

SAM WELLER SET FOR SAME APPROACH AT BRANDS

Sam Weller insists that his approach will remain the same as it has all season as he heads into the final meeting of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE campaign this weekend at Brands Hatch.

MINI CHALLENGE SECURES BRDC QUALIFYING STATUS

MINI CHALLENGE SECURES BRDC QUALIFYING STATUS

Organisers of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE can today confirm that the headline JCW category has been named as a qualifying championship for the highly prestigious British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC).

ALEX DENNING DOUBLES UP

ALEX DENNING DOUBLES UP

Alex Denning made it two wins from two at Silverstone with victory in the second Quaife MINI CHALLENGE race of the weekend.

PAUL MANNING HAPPY WITH TOP TEN RECOVERY

PAUL MANNING HAPPY WITH TOP TEN RECOVERY

Paul Manning declared himself pleased with a top ten finish at Snetterton after a solid recovery through the field in the latest rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy.

MATT HAMMOND GRABS POLE AT SNETTERTON

MATT HAMMOND GRABS POLE AT SNETTERTON

Matt Hammond maintained his record of being the man to beat in qualifying after securing a second pole position of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season at Snetterton.

NELSON KING OUT TO MAINTAIN DOMINANCE AT SNETTERTON

NELSON KING OUT TO MAINTAIN DOMINANCE AT SNETTERTON

The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy rejoins the British Truck Racing Championship package for the second time this season at Snetterton this weekend as a frenetic run to the end of the campaign kicks off in Norfolk.

DOMINIC WHEATLEY PLEASED WITH PROGRESS

DOMINIC WHEATLEY PLEASED WITH PROGRESS

Dominic Wheatley says he is pleased with the progress made during his debut season in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE having now broken into the top ten for the first time.

BRADLEY GRAVETT MAKES EXCELR8 SWITCH

BRADLEY GRAVETT MAKES EXCELR8 SWITCH

EXCELR8 Motorsport has announced the signing of Bradley Gravett in a move that will see him switch from Graves Motorsport as part of an expanded Quaife MINI CHALLENGE programme.

NELSON KING ADDS TO WIN TALLY

NELSON KING ADDS TO WIN TALLY

Nelson King made it eight wins for the season with victory in the second Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy of the weekend at Thruxton.

HANNAH CHAPMAN NOT READY TO GIVE UP ON JCW DREAM

HANNAH CHAPMAN NOT READY TO GIVE UP ON JCW DREAM

Hannah Chapman says she isn’t ready to give up on her dream of fighting towards the sharp end of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE despite a huge accident at Knockhill leaving question marks over the remainder of her season.

ALEX DENNING OPENS ACCOUNT IN CHAOTIC FINALE

ALEX DENNING OPENS ACCOUNT IN CHAOTIC FINALE

Alex Denning benefitted from heartbreak for Graves Motorsport team-mate Max Coates to secure his maiden win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE in the third and final race of the weekend at Knockhill.

RONAN PEARSON DOUBLES UP

RONAN PEARSON DOUBLES UP

Ronan Pearson completed a near perfect day at Knockhill with a second lights to flag victory allowing him to make up ground in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE standings.

JCW TITLE BATTLE RESUMES IN SCOTLAND

JCW TITLE BATTLE RESUMES IN SCOTLAND

After a break in the action following round three at Oulton Park, the fight for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE title resumes this weekend as the JCW field heads north of the border to Knockhill for the latest three races of the campaign.

POSITIVE PACE FOR PAUL MANNING

POSITIVE PACE FOR PAUL MANNING

Paul Manning insisted he was pleased by the pace shown by his Mannpower Motorsport-run car after grabbing a third top ten finish of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season at Croft.

NELSON KING DOES THE DOUBLE AT CROFT

NELSON KING DOES THE DOUBLE AT CROFT

Nelson King continued his astonishing run of form in the 2022 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy with a second victory of the weekend at Croft allowing the Graves Motorsport driver to make it seven wins from eight starts.

RACE ONE RESULT AT CROFT AMENDED

RACE ONE RESULT AT CROFT AMENDED

The result of the opening Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy race of the weekend has undergone a number of revisions after the conclusion of post-race investigations.

JOE WIGGIN PLEASED WITH PODIUM RETURN

JOE WIGGIN PLEASED WITH PODIUM RETURN

Joe Wiggin admitted he was pleased to make a return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy podium after a strong run to third spot in the opening race of the weekend at Croft.

PACKED COOPER GRID LOOKS TO DETHRONE KING AT CROFT

PACKED COOPER GRID LOOKS TO DETHRONE KING AT CROFT

The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy rejoins the BTCC package for the second time this season at Croft, with the biggest grid of the year making the trip to North Yorkshire for what will be the third meeting of the campaign for the Cooper class.

LYDIA WALMSLEY ENJOYING THE CHALLENGE

LYDIA WALMSLEY ENJOYING THE CHALLENGE

Lydia Walmsley insists she is ‘enjoying the challenge’ of her second season in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE after switching back to her family-run team over the winter.

RACE TWO RESULT REVISED AT THRUXTON

RACE TWO RESULT REVISED AT THRUXTON

The result of the second race of the weekend for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy has been revised after a number of penalties were handed out following post race investigations.

NELSON KING GOES FOUR FROM FOUR

NELSON KING GOES FOUR FROM FOUR

Nelson King extended his winning run to four races with victory in a truncated opening race for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy at Thruxton.

TROPHY RUNNERS GET SET FOR THRUXTON THRILLS

TROPHY RUNNERS GET SET FOR THRUXTON THRILLS

The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy makes its first appearance of the season alongside the British Touring Car Championship this weekend, with a packed field of 30 cars making the trip to Thruxton for the second round of the campaign.

BRANDS BATTLE NEXT FOR EXPANDED JCW FIELD

BRANDS BATTLE NEXT FOR EXPANDED JCW FIELD

After an action-packed start to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season at Donington Park, the series heads for Brands Hatch this weekend with a packed field of 30 cars making the trip to Kent ready to do battle around the short Indy circuit.

NELSON KING WRAPS UP PEMBREY TRIPLE

NELSON KING WRAPS UP PEMBREY TRIPLE

Nelson King completed a stunning start to his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy campaign with victory in the final race of the weekend at Pembrey, giving the Graves Motorsport driver three wins from three at the Welsh circuit.

POSITIVE START FOR JACK BYRNE

POSITIVE START FOR JACK BYRNE

Irish rookie Jack Byrne enjoyed a positive start to life in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after taking home top rookie honours in the opening two races.

DOMINANT DOUBLE FOR NELSON KING

DOMINANT DOUBLE FOR NELSON KING

Nelson King made it two wins from two in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season opener at Pembrey with a dominant lights-to-flag win in the second race of the weekend.

NEW GROUND FOR COOPER CLASS AT PEMBREY

NEW GROUND FOR COOPER CLASS AT PEMBREY

The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy breaks new ground this weekend as the series heads for the Welsh circuit of Pembrey for the opening three races of the campaign.

SAM WELLER DOUBLES UP AT DONINGTON

SAM WELLER DOUBLES UP AT DONINGTON

Having grabbed a maiden race win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE on Saturday, Sam Weller didn’t have to wait long for win number two after the Hybrid Tune raced doubled up in the second race of the weekend.

BUMPER JCW FIELD DESCENDS ON DONINGTON PARK

BUMPER JCW FIELD DESCENDS ON DONINGTON PARK

Donington Park proved to be one of the most dramatic meetings of the 2021 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE as the battle for the championship title moved towards its conclusion, and the East Midlands circuit is where the fight for honours kicks off again in 2022.

COOPER CHAMP DOM WHEATLEY EXCITED TO STEP UP

COOPER CHAMP DOM WHEATLEY EXCITED TO STEP UP

Reigning Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy Dominic Wheatley admits he is excited at the prospect of competing in the JCW class for the first time ahead of the opening rounds of the new campaign at Donington Park.

BILLY HARDY EXCITED AHEAD OF JCW RETURN

BILLY HARDY EXCITED AHEAD OF JCW RETURN

Billy Hardy admits he is excited about the prospect of returning to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE grid this season after a frustrating 2021 campaign that saw him watching on from the sidelines.

ALEX DENNING CONFIRMS 2022 JCW PROGRAMME

ALEX DENNING CONFIRMS 2022 JCW PROGRAMME

On the back of a one-off outing in the series last season, Alex Denning has confirmed that he will make a full-time move into the JCW class of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE for the 2022 season with Graves Motorsport.

FACTS & FIGURES: THE 2021 MINI CHALLENGE

FACTS & FIGURES: THE 2021 MINI CHALLENGE

The fight to secure top honours in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE would go right to the wire in 2021, with the battle between team-mates Dan Zelos and Max Bird only being decided when the final chequered flag of the season flew at Brands Hatch.

MINI CHALLENGE LAUNCHES ESERIES SEASON THREE

MINI CHALLENGE LAUNCHES ESERIES SEASON THREE

Following two successful seasons of MINI CHALLENGE UK eSeries racing, the championship is pleased to announce season three will run in partnership with Virtual Reality Racing Club (VRRC) over the winter of 2021/22.  Whilst great prizes and live streaming remain at the fore, season three welcomes two new prizes, the RJN trophy for the commentator’s favourite driver finishing the season outside the top 5 places and a driver of the round prize for each event of the season.

JACK DAVIDSON EAGER TO RETURN

JACK DAVIDSON EAGER TO RETURN

Jack Davidson says he is eager to return to the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE again in 2022 after a breakthrough campaign in the JCW class saw him end the year fourth in the standings.

LEWIS BROWN DOUBLES UP AS TITLE GOES TO THE WIRE

LEWIS BROWN DOUBLES UP AS TITLE GOES TO THE WIRE

Lewis Brown continued his domination of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE finale at Brands Hatch with a second win of the weekend, with the fight for the title between team-mates Max Bird and Dan Zelos going down to the wire.

LEWIS BROWN GRABS POLE FOR SEASON FINALE

LEWIS BROWN GRABS POLE FOR SEASON FINALE

Lewis Brown will kick off race one of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE title decider from pole position after topping the times in qualifying around the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.

ALL TO PLAY FOR AS JCW BATTLES HEAD FOR BRANDS HATCH

ALL TO PLAY FOR AS JCW BATTLES HEAD FOR BRANDS HATCH

Sam Weller may have provisionally secured the Rookie Cup crown at Donington Park but there is plenty still to play for as the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE heads for Brands Hatch for the season finale – not least a six-way fight to secure the overall title.

BOBBY THOMPSON ENJOYS ‘FUN’ DONINGTON DEBUT

BOBBY THOMPSON ENJOYS ‘FUN’ DONINGTON DEBUT

Former British Touring Car Championship racer Bobby Thompson insisted that his Quaife MINI CHALLENGE debut had been a fun experience despite a far from straightforward weekend on track on Donington Park.

MAX COATES GRABS POLE AT DONINGTON PARK

MAX COATES GRABS POLE AT DONINGTON PARK

Max Coates grabbed his first pole position of the 2021 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season after an early lap at Donington Park proved to be enough to earn him top spot in qualifying for the penultimate round of the year.

DONINGTON NEXT STOP AS JCW BATTLE HOTS UP

DONINGTON NEXT STOP AS JCW BATTLE HOTS UP

Two meetings and six races is all that remains in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season and things are hotting up towards the sharp end of the grid as the series returns to Donington Park this weekend.

FACTS & FIGURES: THE 2021 MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY

FACTS & FIGURES: THE 2021 MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY

It’s little more than a week since the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy title battle was decided in dramatic fashion at Silverstone, with PerformanceTek Racing’s Dominic Wheatley emerging from the 2021 season as the championship winner.

HUGE COOPER GRID GETS SET FOR SILVERSTONE SHOWDOWN

HUGE COOPER GRID GETS SET FOR SILVERSTONE SHOWDOWN

The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season is set to draw to a close on a high this weekend, in terms of both drama and sheer numbers as the largest field of the year descends on Silverstone for the final three races.

FOURTH WIN ‘EXTRA-SATISFYING’ FOR DAN ZELOS

FOURTH WIN ‘EXTRA-SATISFYING’ FOR DAN ZELOS

Dan Zelos admitted that a fourth win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season had been ‘extra-satisfying’ at Croft, although a points penalty would ultimately see him lose some of his buffer in the championship standings.

JACK DAVIDSON GAINS GROUND DESPITE PENALTY

JACK DAVIDSON GAINS GROUND DESPITE PENALTY

Jack Davidson has moved up into the top three in the race to secure the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE title despite mixed fortunes on track as the series headed for Croft for the fifth meeting of the year.

MAX BIRD VOWS TO FIGHT HARD AFTER CLOSING GAP

MAX BIRD VOWS TO FIGHT HARD AFTER CLOSING GAP

Max Bird has vowed to fight hard in the final two rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season as he bids to overhaul team-mate Dan Zelos in the points, after the gap between the pair came down at Croft.

JACK DAVIDSON SCORES FIRST POLE AT CROFT

JACK DAVIDSON SCORES FIRST POLE AT CROFT

Having taken a first win of the season last time out at Knockhill, Jack Davidson carried his good form into qualifying at Croft to secure a first pole position in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE.

HOW THRUXTON SET UP A FASCINATING COOPER FINALE

HOW THRUXTON SET UP A FASCINATING COOPER FINALE

As the JCW field prepares to head for Croft next weekend for the first time, the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy runners will have an extra week to prepare for the big finale at Silverstone, where the titanic battle to decide who will be crowned 2021 champion will draw to a close.

CHARLIE MANN STORMS TO THRUXTON POLE

CHARLIE MANN STORMS TO THRUXTON POLE

Charlie Mann produced a fine lap in qualifying at Thruxton to secure pole position for the penultimate meeting of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season.

ONE POINT IN IT AS TROPHY RETURNS TO THRUXTON

ONE POINT IN IT AS TROPHY RETURNS TO THRUXTON

Just six races remain in the 2021 Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season as the series rejoins the British Touring Car Championship package this weekend at Thruxton, with just one point splitting the leading two drivers in the race for the championship title.

HOME BACKING BOOSTS JACK DAVIDSON

HOME BACKING BOOSTS JACK DAVIDSON

Jack Davidson admitted that the support of the home fans had given him an extra boost on track after recording his first win of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season at Knockhill.

ESERIES WINNER DAVE MARSHALL ENJOYS CIRCUIT DEBUT

ESERIES WINNER DAVE MARSHALL ENJOYS CIRCUIT DEBUT

Having secured victory in the MINI CHALLENGE eSeries over the winter, Dave Marshall admitted he was delighted to have made his real world debut after securing two solid finishes in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy meeting at Croft.

HARRY NUNN HAPPY WITH DOUBLE PODIUM

HARRY NUNN HAPPY WITH DOUBLE PODIUM

Harry Nunn declared himself pleased with a double podium finish at Croft that keeps alive his hopes of defending the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy title.

NICKY TAYLOR OPENS MINI CHALLENGE ACCOUNT

NICKY TAYLOR OPENS MINI CHALLENGE ACCOUNT

Nicky Taylor produced a battling drive in tricky conditions on track to secure his maiden victory in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy in the second race of the weekend at Croft.

JOE WIGGINS INHERITS VICTORY IN CROFT OPENER

JOE WIGGINS INHERITS VICTORY IN CROFT OPENER

Joe Wiggin secured his second win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after on the road victor Louis Capozzoli was handed a post-race penalty following the opening encounter of the weekend at Croft.

LEWIS SAUNDERS EDGES MAIDEN POLE AT CROFT

LEWIS SAUNDERS EDGES MAIDEN POLE AT CROFT

Fresh from a first win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy at Oulton Park, Lewis Saunders picked up his maiden pole position after heading the times in qualifying for the latest rounds of the season at Croft.

MINI CHALLENGE’S ELDER STATESMAN CELEBRATES TEN SEASONS

MINI CHALLENGE’S ELDER STATESMAN CELEBRATES TEN SEASONS

Whilst much of the focus in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy this season has been on the battle for the championship title, here has already been cause for celebration for the elder statesman in the paddock, with Adrian Norman bringing up a landmark ten seasons as part of the grid.

CROFT DOUBLE HEADER UP NEXT FOR COOPER BATTLE

CROFT DOUBLE HEADER UP NEXT FOR COOPER BATTLE

With four rounds in the book, the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy heads for Croft this weekend for the latest instalment in what is becoming an enthralling battle for the championship crown.

OLIVER BARKER CELEBRATES FIRST SILVERWARE

OLIVER BARKER CELEBRATES FIRST SILVERWARE

Oliver Barker declared himself pleased with his first silverware of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE season after securing top rookie honours in the opening race of the weekend at Oulton Park.

JCW TITLE BATTLE RETURNS TO OULTON PARK

JCW TITLE BATTLE RETURNS TO OULTON PARK

It’s all to play for in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE as the series heads for Oulton Park this weekend for the third meeting of the campaign, with less than ten points separating the leading three drivers after the first six races of the year.

MAX BIRD PLEASED WITH RACE THREE RECOVERY

MAX BIRD PLEASED WITH RACE THREE RECOVERY

Max Bird declared himself pleased with the way in which he recovered from the disappointment of race two at Brands Hatch to retain his advantage in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE standings.

RACING ROOKIE JONNY SARGEANT HAPPY WITH PROGRESS

RACING ROOKIE JONNY SARGEANT HAPPY WITH PROGRESS

As the first step on the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE ladder, the Cooper class is the ideal proving ground for people making the step into car racing for the first time, with Jonny Sargeant being one such driver in the field for the 2021 season.

JCW FIELD GETS SET FOR BRANDS HATCH BATTLE

JCW FIELD GETS SET FOR BRANDS HATCH BATTLE

When the Cooper class cars headed for Brands Hatch earlier this month, the two races around the short Indy layout were packed with action – so even more drama can be expected this weekend when the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE heads for the shortest circuit on the calendar for round two.

RICKY PAGE DELIGHTED WITH STRONG HOME SHOWING

RICKY PAGE DELIGHTED WITH STRONG HOME SHOWING

Privateer racer Ricky Page was pleased to return to form in the most recent rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy after picking up his second podium finish of the year at Brands Hatch.

FRESH TEAM, FRESH START FOR JOE WIGGIN

FRESH TEAM, FRESH START FOR JOE WIGGIN

A change of teams ahead of Brands Hatch proved to be the right call for Joe Wiggin after he secured his first win in the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy during the third weekend of the campaign.

MATT HAMMOND EDGES POLE AT BRANDS HATCH

MATT HAMMOND EDGES POLE AT BRANDS HATCH

Points leader Matt Hammond secured his second pole position of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season after leading the pack in qualifying for the third meeting of the campaign at Brands Hatch.

BATTLE OF BRANDS NEXT FOR MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY

BATTLE OF BRANDS NEXT FOR MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY

After two action-packed meetings for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy, the series makes its return to Brands Hatch this weekend for the third round of what is shaping up to be a fascinating championship battle.

MORGAN WROOT BATTLES BACK FOR TOP TEN

MORGAN WROOT BATTLES BACK FOR TOP TEN

Morgan Wroot produced one of the drives of the day at Thruxton to salvage a top ten finish from what looked set to be a weekend to forget in the latest rounds of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season.

MATT HAMMOND HAPPY TO RETAIN LEAD

MATT HAMMOND HAPPY TO RETAIN LEAD

Matt Hammond insisted it was mission accomplished at Thruxton after the EXCELR8 Motorsport driver retained his advantage at the head of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy standings.

MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY SET FOR THRUXTON THRILLS

MINI CHALLENGE TROPHY SET FOR THRUXTON THRILLS

The Thruxton round of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy proved to be one of the most action-packed of the 2020 season, and it looks very much like the same will be true again when the series returns to the Hampshire circuit this weekend for the second round of 2021.

SOLID POINTS FOR DEFENDING CHAMPION HARRY NUNN

SOLID POINTS FOR DEFENDING CHAMPION HARRY NUNN

Defending champion Harry Nunn picked up a solid haul of points from the opening two races of the new Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season – only missing on victory in race two by the smallest of margins.

MORGAN WROOT REFLECTS ON UNFORTUNATE DNF

MORGAN WROOT REFLECTS ON UNFORTUNATE DNF

Morgan Wroot admitted that his retirement from the opening race of the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Trophy season had been unfortunate as the Mad4Mini team races to repair the car for race two at Snetterton.

LYDIA WALMSLEY READIES FOR JCW CHALLENGE IN 2021

LYDIA WALMSLEY READIES FOR JCW CHALLENGE IN 2021

On the back of a successful three-year stint in the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper class, teenage racer Lydia Walmsley has her sights set on top rookie honours when she graduates to the JCW category for the first time in 2021.

ZELOS CHASING MINI CHALLENGE CROWN AS HE RETURNS TO SERIES WITH EXCELR8

ZELOS CHASING MINI CHALLENGE CROWN AS HE RETURNS TO SERIES WITH EXCELR8

After clinching the MINI CHALLENGE Rookie Cup laurels in 2019 and Graduate Cup honours last year, talented young Norfolk ace Dan Zelos has his sights solidly set on the main prize in 2021 as he returns to the British Touring Car Championship support series with defending champions EXCELR8 Motorsport.

MINI ESERIES SIGNS OFF WITH FANTASTIC FINALE

MINI ESERIES SIGNS OFF WITH FANTASTIC FINALE

The Virtual Reality Racing Club organised MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries ended it’s second season last weekend at the iconic Brands Hatch GP. With the winners of each part of the championship sewn up the racing was as good as ever with battles right down the order for commentators Richard John Neil and series director Antony Williams to discuss.

HARRISON’S ROAD FROM HUMBLED BEGINNINGS TO MINI RECORD BREAKER

HARRISON’S ROAD FROM HUMBLED BEGINNINGS TO MINI RECORD BREAKER

For those new to the MINI CHALLENGE last year, Nathan Harrison would demonstrate himself as a fresh-faced young star, dominating the top class of single-make Touring Cars. Though for Harrison himself, 2020 was a culmination of a 6-year long journey that saw him rise from inexperienced rookie to one of the country’s most promising prodigies.

CAPACITY COOPER GRID SIGNED UP AHEAD OF BUMPER 2021 SEASON

CAPACITY COOPER GRID SIGNED UP AHEAD OF BUMPER 2021 SEASON

During a sleepy winter for the United Kingdom, the feet have been tapping, of drivers eager to step back into their beloved race cars. As the country starts to plan its roadmap out of lockdown, the 2021 MINI CHALLENGE grid has already filled up, with 36 entries for the Cooper Class.

HYBRID TUNE AND MINI CHALLENGE SIGN MULTI-YEAR COLLABORATION

HYBRID TUNE AND MINI CHALLENGE SIGN MULTI-YEAR COLLABORATION

The MINI CHALLENGE is proud to reveal a brand-new series partner for the 2021 season. Joining the upper echelons of British Motorsport, Hybrid Tune Ltd has a history of success within the series as it transitions to its new role providing engine calibration and scrutineering support.

EPPS AND MCINTYRE SHARE THE WINS AT SNETTERTON

EPPS AND MCINTYRE SHARE THE WINS AT SNETTERTON

The MINI CHALLENGE eSeries took the virtual trip to it’s longest track of the season, Snetterton 300.  MINI CHALLENGE UK’s 2019 Champion James ‘Jiggy’ Gornall joined Richard John Neil in the commentary box.

MARSHALL AND MCINTYRE SPLIT THE WINS AS EPPS RETAINS CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD

MARSHALL AND MCINTYRE SPLIT THE WINS AS EPPS RETAINS CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD

The second event in the MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries calendar took to the popular Derbyshire venue of Donington Park. Dave Marshall took his first pole position of the season edging Max Edmundson and Mike Epps by just half a tenth of a second with Rob Butler and Jordan Brennan rounding out the top 5 for the RIGS eSports Racing Team.

WINTER FINALE FOR COOPER AND COOPER S AT DONINGTON

WINTER FINALE FOR COOPER AND COOPER S AT DONINGTON

For the final time in 2020, the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE takes to the track at one the UK’s premier motorsport venues; Donington Park. The Leicestershire venue will be the home for the final rounds of the Cooper Class and Cooper S Class, with the championship still on the line for both series.

TITLE ON THE LINE IN KENT COUNTRYSIDE

TITLE ON THE LINE IN KENT COUNTRYSIDE

The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE JCW Class returns for the final round of a hectic 2020 season. From a delayed season start in August, the series prepares for its finale barely four months later.

STACKED MINI GRID TO LIGHT UP NORFOLK COUNTRYSIDE

STACKED MINI GRID TO LIGHT UP NORFOLK COUNTRYSIDE

A packed grid of MINI’s are back in action for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE JCW Class. The premier division of MINI’s are back on the TOCA package after their Silverstone spectacular. With just two rounds remaining, it couldn’t be tighter at the top, with Ant Whorton-Eales leading Nathan Harrison by a single point on dropped scores.

TITLE BATTLE HOTS UP FOR COOPERS AT CROFT

TITLE BATTLE HOTS UP FOR COOPERS AT CROFT

A breakneck season is fast approaching its closing stages for the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Class as they prepare for their penultimate round of the season. A last chance to see them supporting the British Touring Car Championship this year.

EXCELR8 WELCOME NATHAN EDWARDS TO MINI CHALLENGE COOPER CLASS

EXCELR8 WELCOME NATHAN EDWARDS TO MINI CHALLENGE COOPER CLASS

Nathan Edwards has become the latest star to join the prestigious EXCELR8 Motorsport team in the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Class. The young driver from Tunbridge Wells has been gradually gaining experience on the British scene and has more than earned the move that will be a stepping stone on his path to the top of the National racing scene.

COOPERS COMBINE FOR SNETTERTON SPECTACULAR

COOPERS COMBINE FOR SNETTERTON SPECTACULAR

The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE makes a special appearance at the home of motorsport in East Anglia, Snetterton. For the first time this season the Cooper and Cooper S classes will be combined into a single race.

THE BRITISH BRAND RETURNING TO THE HOME OF BRITISH MOTORSPORT

THE BRITISH BRAND RETURNING TO THE HOME OF BRITISH MOTORSPORT

The MINI CHALLENGE is back with its Premier JCW class at the home of UK Motorsport, Silverstone. As we enter the second half of this enthralling season, it could barely be closer at the top with nine drivers having secured a podium and ten still within a realistic chance of clinching the title.

CATCHING UP WITH: LYDIA WALMSLEY

CATCHING UP WITH: LYDIA WALMSLEY

CATCHING UP WITH: LYDIA WALMSLEYWe sat down with Cooper driver, Lydia Walmsley to find out about the past, present and future as she reaches her third season in the MINI CHALLENGE. How is 2020 working out for you so far? I think 2020 has been very strange for all of...

HIGH SPEED TRIPLE HEADER WELCOME CLASSIC COOPERS

HIGH SPEED TRIPLE HEADER WELCOME CLASSIC COOPERS

One of the UK’s most prestigious single-make championships returns to the schedule as the Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Class revs up for their second round of the year at the UK’s fastest race circuit.

STU LANE TO RETURN TO MINI CHALLENGE WITH AREEVE MOTORSPORT

STU LANE TO RETURN TO MINI CHALLENGE WITH AREEVE MOTORSPORT

After over a year away from racing, Stu Lane today has announced his return to the MINI CHALLENGE, this time completing in the highly popular MINI CHALLENGE Trophy Cooper Class. Stu has previously raced in the Cooper S and Open class and has had good success but a switch to the Cooper class was a last-minute decision following a spare seat becoming available with AReeve Motorsport.

LOCAL STAR JOE TANNER TAKES POLE ON JCW DEBUT

LOCAL STAR JOE TANNER TAKES POLE ON JCW DEBUT

After missing the first round, it would be Joe Tanner who took pole position at his local Knockhill circuit, during a JCW session in which the top four were split by less than 0.05 seconds.

EXTRA-LARGE MINI GRID GREETS KNOCKHILL

EXTRA-LARGE MINI GRID GREETS KNOCKHILL

The JCW’s are back for the UK’s most northernly TOCA meeting. Nestled in the shadow of the Ochil Hills, this weekend represents a first visit north of the border for the MINI CHALLENGE UK.

NEW SEASON, NEW CHALLENGES, BIGGER STAGE

NEW SEASON, NEW CHALLENGES, BIGGER STAGE

The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE Cooper class is back for 2020. This time supporting the UK’s premier national motor racing package, the British Touring Car Championship, at one of MSV’s most beloved tracks, Oulton Park.

DAVE MARSHALL WINS INAUGURAL ESERIES

DAVE MARSHALL WINS INAUGURAL ESERIES

The final MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries event of the year held on the 11th July didn’t disappoint in terms of action, but who would win the £20,000 prize pool was as big a draw.

COATES CONCLUDES HISTORIC DONINGTON WEEKEND FROM ROOKIE SENSATION REID

COATES CONCLUDES HISTORIC DONINGTON WEEKEND FROM ROOKIE SENSATION REID

Series newcomer and TOCA veteran Max Coates rounded out the MINI CHALLENGE JCW’s first TOCA weekend with victory in front of the ITV cameras. The Elite Motorsport driver who had started sixth, worked his way to the front, holding off a respectable challenge from rookie Kyle Reid and points leader Ant Whorton-Eales.

HARRISON SAILS TO FIRST JCW WIN OF THE YEAR

HARRISON SAILS TO FIRST JCW WIN OF THE YEAR

Nathan Harrison hit back after his race one disappointment to secure a race win at Donington Park. Dan Zelos and Lewis Brown completed the MINI CHALLENGE JCW podium. Race one winner Ant Whorton-Eales would fall back after damage in a race where incredibly all drivers finished.

ANT MAKES BIG IMPACT IN FIRST JCW RACE AT DONINGTON

ANT MAKES BIG IMPACT IN FIRST JCW RACE AT DONINGTON

The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE return in all it’s glory at Donington Park, as former champion Ant Whorton-Eales lead home a front-running four of Nathan Harrison, Lewis Brown and Graduate class winner Dan Zelos, for the opening race win of the season. He heads into Sunday with 56 points and the title lead.

WHORTON-EALES EDGES HARRISON IN TIGHT JCW QUALIFYING

WHORTON-EALES EDGES HARRISON IN TIGHT JCW QUALIFYING

The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE kicked off with a glimpse of what might be to come in the title battle as 2018 champion Ant Whorton-Eales secured pole position upon his return, ahead of former rival Nathan Harrison. His time of 1:14.340 was a tenth faster than anyone during the series first TOCA support qualifying session.

MINI CHALLENGE GEARS UP FOR TOCA DEBUT WITH JCW

MINI CHALLENGE GEARS UP FOR TOCA DEBUT WITH JCW

The Quaife MINI CHALLENGE is back and better than ever, as the JCW class prepares for its eleventh season of competition. For the first time, MINI’s will now be a regular edition on the TOCA package, supporting the UK’s premier racing series, the British Touring Car Championship.

NEW NAMES SHINE AS MARSHALL EXTENDS ESERIES LEAD

NEW NAMES SHINE AS MARSHALL EXTENDS ESERIES LEAD

A new name topped the Qualifying results at Croft Circuit in the MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries. Rob Butler, driver coach to Ryan Dignan in the real world series, was the man to break the record and become the first driver to claim the honours as a ‘real world’ class driver.

MARSHALL SCORES HATTRICK AT SNETTERTON

MARSHALL SCORES HATTRICK AT SNETTERTON

Dave Marshall was the man heading the timesheets as the MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries headed to Snetterton. Keen to increase his championship points lead the sim racer from County Durham took pole in both sessions and won the first three races.

BATTLES GALORE IN MINI ESERIES AT SILVERSTONE INTERNATIONAL

BATTLES GALORE IN MINI ESERIES AT SILVERSTONE INTERNATIONAL

The MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries second event at Northamptonshire’s Silverstone International circuit saw both Dave Marshall and Jack McIntyre split the majority of poles and races wins. Other drivers to star included Luke Kidsley, Alex Toth-Jones, Tobin Leigh, Isaac Smith and Josh Hislop.

RYAN FAULCONBRIDGE RACING JOINS THE MINI CHALLENGE WITH EUROCELL

RYAN FAULCONBRIDGE RACING JOINS THE MINI CHALLENGE WITH EUROCELL

Ryan Faulconbridge Racing (RFR) will race into the 2020 MINI CHALLENGE with a new title partner and striking livery on his John Cooper Works MINI, after Ryan confirmed a major sponsorship deal with the UK’s market leading UPVC manufacturer, distributor and recycler, Eurocell.

MINI CHALLENGE UK 2020 JCW CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT

MINI CHALLENGE UK 2020 JCW CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT

Following the postponement of the 2020 TOCA Race Meeting calendar due to the Covid-19 pandemic, MINI CHALLENGE UK have undertaken extensive consultation with key stakeholders, especially entrants, regarding their preferences for the replacement calendar.

MINI CHALLENGE UK OFFICIAL ESERIES ANNOUNCE £20,000 IN PRIZES AND MSL MOTORSPORT CONSULTANCY PARTNERSHIP

MINI CHALLENGE UK OFFICIAL ESERIES ANNOUNCE £20,000 IN PRIZES AND MSL MOTORSPORT CONSULTANCY PARTNERSHIP

The MINI CHALLENGE UK Official eSeries has today announced a prize pool for its inaugural Spring / Summer season in excess of £20,000 as well as MSL Motorsport Consultancy as it’s main prize sponsor. MSL Motorsport Consultancy have sponsored the top prize of a Virtual Reality Racing Club VRRC Sim Race Pro Simulator valued at £9,995. Prizes are as follows (Available to UK mainland only):

MINI CHALLENGE LAUNCHES OFFICIAL ESERIES WITH VRRC

MINI CHALLENGE LAUNCHES OFFICIAL ESERIES WITH VRRC

The MINI CHALLENGE is to launch an Official eSeries in association with Virtual Reality Racing Club (VRRC). Using the same specification Gen 3 F56 MINI JCW race car used in the UK’s premier touring car support class, the eSeries will follow the same calendar as the proposed 2020 season and will start in May

COATES GEARS UP FOR THE CHALLENGE AHEAD

COATES GEARS UP FOR THE CHALLENGE AHEAD

Max Coates headed to Croft Circuit last week to take the opportunity of a track day at his local circuit to unveil his 2020 livery to the media and sponsors alike.

NATHAN HARRISON RETURNS FOR TITLE TILT

NATHAN HARRISON RETURNS FOR TITLE TILT

Three-time MINI CHALLENGE JCW vice-champion Nathan Harrison will make a spectacular return to the premier feeder series for the British Touring Car Championship. He will re-join the EXCELR8 Motorsport team as he looks to secure the MINI JCW crown.

FAIRCLOUGH RETURNS TO MINI CHALLENGE TO TAKE ON THE JCW CHAMPIONSHIP

FAIRCLOUGH RETURNS TO MINI CHALLENGE TO TAKE ON THE JCW CHAMPIONSHIP

Fairclough made a spectacular arrival onto the scene in 2018 where he picked up five wins and numerous podiums on his way to the title in what was only his first year of racing. After sitting out last season, the Pembrokeshire-based driver originally from the midlands will make the leap up to the top class of MINI’s racing on the infamous TOCA package.

CALLUM NEWSHAM RETURNS TO JCWS FOR THIRD SEASON

CALLUM NEWSHAM RETURNS TO JCWS FOR THIRD SEASON

20 year old Callum Newsham returns to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship for a third season this year.

The Father and Son team have a lot of racing experience between them. Dave retired from the British Touring Car Championship to focus on his son’s racing career and now in their third year in the MINI CHALLENGE, the pair hope for some excellent results.

LYDIA WALMSLEY RETURNS TO COOPERS FOR 2020

LYDIA WALMSLEY RETURNS TO COOPERS FOR 2020

LYDIA WALMSLEY RETURNS TO COOPERS FOR 2020 Lydia Walmsley is to return to the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper class in 2020 for her third season in the championship. This will be Lydia’s fourth full season of racing cars having started in the Junior Saloon car championship at...

MAX BIRD JOINS ELITE FOR MINI CHALLENGE IN 2020

MAX BIRD JOINS ELITE FOR MINI CHALLENGE IN 2020

Max Bird will be returning to the Mini Challenge JCW championship in 2020 and joining the multi- championship winning Elite Motorsport where he will partner with Max Coates and Lewis Galer as part of as strong driver line up for Elite’s maiden championship year.

JOSH STANTON RETURNS TO EXCELR8 MOTORSPORT

JOSH STANTON RETURNS TO EXCELR8 MOTORSPORT

JOSH STANTON RETURNS TO EXCELR8 MOTORSPORT21-year-old Josh Stanton will return to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW for a sophomore year after re-signing with EXCELR8 Motorsport for the 2020 season. A regular points scorer in 2019, the Cotswolds racer will have higher...

JASON LOCKWOOD TO MAKE MINI CHALLENGE JCW DEBUT WITH EXCELR8

JASON LOCKWOOD TO MAKE MINI CHALLENGE JCW DEBUT WITH EXCELR8

Karting star Jason Lockwood will be making the step up to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW this year with the EXCELR8 Motorsport team. Lockwood, a race winner in the British Super 1 National karting series, will be hoping to hit the ground running this March.

ALEX NEVILL RETURNS TO THE COOPERS FOR 2020

ALEX NEVILL RETURNS TO THE COOPERS FOR 2020

ALEX NEVILL RETURNS TO THE COOPERS FOR 2020Graves Motorsport is delighted to announce that Alex Nevill will be joining us in 2020, Alex will be competing in the extremely competitive Mini Challenge Cooper Championship. Alex won the 2018 Cooper Am class before...

COATES JOINS THE MINI ELITE

COATES JOINS THE MINI ELITE

Coates joins the MINI EliteNorth Yorkshire based racing driver Max Coates is set to join multi-championship winning team, Elite Motorsport, for both their maiden seasons in the MINI CHALLENGE. Coates has retained the support of Primex Plastics, RPC bpi PLASgran, JiC...

CATCHING UP WITH: RONAN PEARSON

CATCHING UP WITH: RONAN PEARSON

CATCHING UP WITH: RONAN PEARSON On a bitterly cold December day at Knockhill, a young rising star of Scottish Motorsport continued preparations for the 2020 season. Ronan Pearson will step into the limelight in 2020, entering the JCW MINI CHALLENGE. After triumphing...

ANT WHORTON-EALES RETURNS WITH JAMSPORT FOR 2020

ANT WHORTON-EALES RETURNS WITH JAMSPORT FOR 2020

Ant Whorton-Eales will make a return to the MINI Challenge for the 2020 season. The 25-year-old from Lichfield in Staffordshire will return to full-time competition next season as part of JamSport’s multi-car..

HARRISON DOES THE DOUBLE, BUT GORNALL TAKES JCW TITLE

HARRISON DOES THE DOUBLE, BUT GORNALL TAKES JCW TITLE

No MINI CHALLENGE season in history has featured a finale quite like it. Nathan Harrison claimed his second race win of the weekend to give himself the best possible chance, but fell just short of James Gornall’s tally…

TRIPLE THREAT JCW TITLE BATTLE ROLLS INTO SNETTERTON

TRIPLE THREAT JCW TITLE BATTLE ROLLS INTO SNETTERTON

This final round of this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW championship at Snetterton this weekend will be one of the tightest in the history of the series, with three drivers going all-out in an attempt to secure the crown.

CREDO TAKES UP THE CHALLENGE FOR 2020

CREDO TAKES UP THE CHALLENGE FOR 2020

The MINI CHALLENGE will continue its partnership with Credo Asset Finance into the 2020 season, as it makes a historic switch to the British Touring Car Championship support bill for the first time.

SWR ANNOUNCES 2020 MINI CHALLENGE JCW ENTRY

SWR ANNOUNCES 2020 MINI CHALLENGE JCW ENTRY

Race-winning single-seater and touring car team Sean Walkinshaw Racing – SWR – will make its debut in the MINI CHALLENGE next season, fielding a two-car team in the JCW category.

COOPER CLASSES RACE REPORT FROM CROFT CIRCUIT

COOPER CLASSES RACE REPORT FROM CROFT CIRCUIT

The Cooper classes headed north for what was for most, this was their first time at Croft. An amazing circuit located just outside Darlington. The sun was shining too for the whole weekend.

GORNALL LUCKS INTO WIN NUMBER FOUR AT BRANDS HATCH

GORNALL LUCKS INTO WIN NUMBER FOUR AT BRANDS HATCH

James Gornall became the first four-time winner of this year’s JCW championship after being handed a surprise lead when the top two both hit trouble late in the second outing at the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit.

ZELOS GRABS BREAKTHROUGH JCW WIN AT BRANDS HATCH

ZELOS GRABS BREAKTHROUGH JCW WIN AT BRANDS HATCH

Dan Zelos celebrated his maiden MINI CHALLENGE JCW race victory in the first outing around the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit, even if he had to rely on a dose of good fortune to help him get the result over the line.

ZELOS AIMING FOR BRANDS HATCH BREAKTHROUGH

ZELOS AIMING FOR BRANDS HATCH BREAKTHROUGH

Dan Zelos is certain that his maiden MINI CHALLENGE JCW race win isn’t far away, and heads into this weekend’s two races around the Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit aiming to make the breakthrough.

MINI CHALLENGE FEATURED IN PERFORMANCE MINI

MINI CHALLENGE FEATURED IN PERFORMANCE MINI

MINI CHALLENGE features in this month’s Performance MINI magazine as the Cooper Classes return for 2019, and this issue we’ve got reports from the opening rounds at Snetterton

CATCHING UP WITH: RICHARD NEWMAN

CATCHING UP WITH: RICHARD NEWMAN

As we reach mid-season in the 2019 JCW Championship, we catch up with rising tin-top star Richard Newman, as he rapidly gains a reputation as a hard-charger in this year’s JCW season.

HARRISON BATTLES TO DONINGTON PARK JCW POLE

HARRISON BATTLES TO DONINGTON PARK JCW POLE

Nathan Harrison secured his first MINI CHALLENGE JCW pole position of the season in a tight Saturday session at Donington Park, during which he edged out championship leader James Gornall to the top spot.

OULTON PARK COOPER CLASSES RACE REPORT

OULTON PARK COOPER CLASSES RACE REPORT

An early start after overnight rain. The track was dry and 28 cars were ready to pedal to the metal. With the S class, Pro and Cooper Class cars all racing together, just like the “Old Days”.

COOPER CLASS ROUND 2 AT OULTON PARK

COOPER CLASS ROUND 2 AT OULTON PARK

After the great fun at Snetterton, the MINI CHALLENGE settles down for the season knowing who to look out for. In the Pro class, Toby Goodman showed a great turn of speed as did Martin Poole and Robbie Dalgleish.

DOUBLE FOR PALMER, TROUBLE FOR GORNALL

DOUBLE FOR PALMER, TROUBLE FOR GORNALL

Ben Palmer completed a dream weekend at Silverstone by taking a second victory in the final race of the weekend, as the championship chase was blown wide open by a first retirement of the year…

COOPER SNETTERTON WEEKEND RACE REPORTS

COOPER SNETTERTON WEEKEND RACE REPORTS

Read the race reports from the first round of the Cooper, Cooper Pro and Cooper S Classes as they headed to Snetterton in what would be an action-packed weekend of racing.

JCW SNETTERTON PREVIEW

JCW SNETTERTON PREVIEW

Early points leader James Gornall says he’s figured out the “five or six” different drivers he’s expecting to be going head-to-head with in the battle for this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW championship,

COOPER, PRO & S SNETTERTON PREVIEW

COOPER, PRO & S SNETTERTON PREVIEW

Uniquely this year’s 2019 MINI CHALLENGE sees the start of the Cooper, Pro and S class championships at Snetterton on the 300 circuit and finishes the year on the same circuit.

MAYBIN MAKES BREAKTHROUGH AT OULTON

MAYBIN MAKES BREAKTHROUGH AT OULTON

Jac Maybin proved his championship potential with a stunning display of overtaking to score his first MINI CHALLENGE JCW victory in the second outing at Oulton Park.

GORNALL GRABS MAIDEN VICTORY IN JCW OPENER

GORNALL GRABS MAIDEN VICTORY IN JCW OPENER

James Gornall claimed his maiden MINI CHALLENGE JCW victory in the season opener at Oulton Park after emerging on top of a thrilling three-car battle for the lead in the closing stages.

NEWCOMER ZELOS SNATCHES OULTON PARK POLE

NEWCOMER ZELOS SNATCHES OULTON PARK POLE

Dan Zelos made an instant impact on his full MINI CHALLENGE JCW debut, scorching to pole position under the sweltering sun during the first day of the season at Oulton Park.

BIRD TAKES UP THE MINI CHALLENGE FOR 2019

BIRD TAKES UP THE MINI CHALLENGE FOR 2019

Following on from 2 successful years in the Ginetta GT5 Challenge, Max Bird, an 18 year old college student from Chichester will be racing in the MINI CHALLENGE JCW class for 2019.

CATCHING UP WITH: SAMI BOWLER

CATCHING UP WITH: SAMI BOWLER

Meet Sami, renown for her very charming character in the paddock contrasting against her ferocious raw ability on track has instantly cemented Sami as a huge hit amongst fans and fellow competitors.

CATCHING UP WITH: ROBBIE DALGLEISH

CATCHING UP WITH: ROBBIE DALGLEISH

Robbie Dalgleish has had an impressive first season in the Cooper Pro Class. He’s finished every race this year with the worst position being 4th and remained consistent throughout the year…

CATCHING UP WITH: WILL FAIRCLOUGH

CATCHING UP WITH: WILL FAIRCLOUGH

When Will Fairclough began his racing career in 2018 in the MINI CHALLENGE he couldn’t have possibly expected the results and success that would transpire over the course of the season.

CATCHING UP WITH: JONO DAVIS

CATCHING UP WITH: JONO DAVIS

We look back at an up and down season for Jono Davis, beginning with an engine failure at Donington but ending with five wins in a row by the end of the season with a bonus of two guest rounds in the JCW Class.

CATCHING UP WITH: GARY PAPWORTH

CATCHING UP WITH: GARY PAPWORTH

Gary Papworth had a great season in the Cooper Am class this year, being consistently in the top three cars at each round and scoring valuable points to come third in the Class overall.

ROCKINGHAM COOPER S WEEKEND REPORT

ROCKINGHAM COOPER S WEEKEND REPORT

Read about the weekend’s racing by the Cooper S class and who would take the Class win for the season as we visited Rockingham for the last time.

ROCKINGHAM COOPER PREVIEW

ROCKINGHAM COOPER PREVIEW

The final deciding round of the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper classes is around the corner and it’s also the last time we ever race at Rockingham Motor Speedway.

DONINGTON JCW RACE 2 REPORT

DONINGTON JCW RACE 2 REPORT

Nathan Harrison brought new champion Ant Whorton-Eales’ winning run to a finish by fighting to victory in the final race of the season at Donington Park…

DONINGTON JCW RACE 1 REPORT

DONINGTON JCW RACE 1 REPORT

Ant Whorton-Eales secured this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship title with another dominant drive in the first race of the weekend at Donington Park…

DONINGTON JCW QUALIFYING REPORT

DONINGTON JCW QUALIFYING REPORT

JCW debutant Ben Palmer shocked the series regulars by scoring pole position during a tricky final qualifying session of the season at Donington Park.

DONINGTON JCW PREVIEW

DONINGTON JCW PREVIEW

Ant Whorton-Eales has pledged not to back off in his quest to seal the JCW Championship title, despite his rivals admitting they need a miracle to deny him…

CADWELL PARK COOPER S RACE REPORTS

CADWELL PARK COOPER S RACE REPORTS

Early Saturday morning, after 6 sessions of testing on Friday, meant all were raring to go. Some had a bit of damage and had their cars and engines patched up.

CADWELL PARK COOPER PREVIEW

CADWELL PARK COOPER PREVIEW

With just 5 races to go in this year’s MINI CHALLENGE, it could all be decided this weekend at the East Coast’s answer to the Nűrbugring.

BRANDS HATCH MINI FEST JCW RACE 3 REPORT

BRANDS HATCH MINI FEST JCW RACE 3 REPORT

Ant Whorton-Eales completed a perfect hat-trick of JCW victories during the Brands Hatch MINI Fest, but the race for the title will go down to the final event of the year.

BRANDS HATCH MINI FEST JCW RACE 1 REPORT

BRANDS HATCH MINI FEST JCW RACE 1 REPORT

Jordan Collard was deemed to have overshot his grid spot when the field formed up after the green flag lap, an error that was brought to light some hours after the race…

BRANDS HATCH MINI FEST PREVIEW

BRANDS HATCH MINI FEST PREVIEW

Lewis Brown wants to continue his forward momentum at Brands Hatch in the hope that it can pave the way for a tilt at the MINI CHALLENGE JCW title next season.

BRANDS HATCH DTM JCW RACE 2 REPORT

BRANDS HATCH DTM JCW RACE 2 REPORT

With just five races remaining, Ant Whorton-Eales tightened his grip on this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship trophy after doubling up in front…

BRANDS HATCH DTM JCW RACE 1 REPORT

BRANDS HATCH DTM JCW RACE 1 REPORT

Ant Whorton-Eales extended his advantage at the head of the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship after taking a controlled victory in the first race of the DTM weekend…

BRANDS HATCH JCW PREVIEW

BRANDS HATCH JCW PREVIEW

Multiple car racing champion David Robinson is hoping that his current run good form can elevate him into the top four in the MINI CHALLENGE JCW points this weekend

OULTON PARK TV COVERAGE TIMES

OULTON PARK TV COVERAGE TIMES

Find out about when the MINI CHALLENGE coverage from Oulton for the fifth round of the JCW championship will be aired on Channel 4 and Motors TV.

OULTON PARK COOPER S RACE REPORTS

OULTON PARK COOPER S RACE REPORTS

No surprises, with Will Fairclough having both of his quickest laps being the top 2 quickest. Rob Austin, trying like mad to put in a good time managed P2 on his last lap.

OULTON PARK COOPER PRO/AM RACE REPORTS

OULTON PARK COOPER PRO/AM RACE REPORTS

The sun was shining and 16 MINI Coopers were all set to go. Back from a break with Eurotech/Wix was Martin Poole. Determined to show Kyle Reid he is no walk over.

OULTON PARK JCW RACE 2 REPORT

OULTON PARK JCW RACE 2 REPORT

Despite leading the championship from the first round, it had been a long wait for a victory for Ant Whorton-Eales before the second JCW race at Oulton Park.

OULTON PARK JCW RACE 1 REPORT

OULTON PARK JCW RACE 1 REPORT

Rob Smith celebrated his second successive MINI CHALLENGE JCW victory after successfully converting his pole position into a narrow victory in race one at Oulton…

OULTON PARK JCW QUALIFYING REPORT

OULTON PARK JCW QUALIFYING REPORT

Rob Smith left it late to snatch pole position in a challenging qualifying session at Oulton Park, which kick-started the annual northern edition of the MINI Festival.

OUTLON PARK COOPER PREVIEW

OUTLON PARK COOPER PREVIEW

The time is almost upon the MINI Challenge, for the eagerly anticipated pilgrimage to the Oulton Park MINI festival, one of the highlights of their racing calendar.

OULTON PARK JCW PREVIEW

OULTON PARK JCW PREVIEW

Rising star Jordan Collard is confident that this weekend’s second visit to Oulton Park will help to “separate the men from the boys” in the fight for the JCW title.

SILVERSTONE COOPER S REPORT

SILVERSTONE COOPER S REPORT

Jono Davis was flying with his rebuilt gearbox and clutch. A great pole lap of 1:07.257, Rob Austin was in P2 with Alan Lee in P3. Andy Montgomery stayed in touch…

SILVERSTONE COOPER AM/PRO REPORT

SILVERSTONE COOPER AM/PRO REPORT

A nice bright start on the National circuit. A short circuit passed the National pits into Copse, sharp right turn at Maggotts, flat out down the Wellington Straight…

SILVERSTONE TV COVERAGE TIMES

SILVERSTONE TV COVERAGE TIMES

Find out about when the MINI CHALLENGE coverage from Silverstone for the fourth round of the JCW championship will be aired on Channel 4 and Motors TV.

SILVERSTONE COOPER PREVIEW

SILVERSTONE COOPER PREVIEW

A very strong grid at Snetterton last time out saw some very close racing. Kyle Reid in the Pro class continued his dominance in the class with 3 wins out of 3 races…

SILVERSTONE JCW RACE TWO REPORT

SILVERSTONE JCW RACE TWO REPORT

Rob Smith claimed his first victory of the season in the second outing at Silverstone, holding off Ant Whorton-Eales in what was essentially a single-lap shootout.

SILVERSTONE JCW RACE ONE REPORT

SILVERSTONE JCW RACE ONE REPORT

Jordan Collard battled to his maiden MINI CHALLENGE JCW victory in a thrilling first race at Silverstone, but had to fight off a four-car train to secure the laurels.

SILVERSTONE JCW QUALIFYING REPORT

SILVERSTONE JCW QUALIFYING REPORT

Jordan Collard continued his quest to be labelled this year’s king of qualifying by storming to another pole position at Silverstone this afternoon.

SILVERSTONE JCW PREVIEW

SILVERSTONE JCW PREVIEW

Car racing rookie Jac Maybin feels his maiden MINI CHALLENGE JCW victory isn’t far away after his stunning performance during the last round at Snetterton.

SNETTERTON TV COVERAGE TIMES

SNETTERTON TV COVERAGE TIMES

Find out about when the MINI CHALLENGE coverage from Snetterton for the third round of the JCW championship will be aired on Channel 4 and Motors TV.

SNETTERTON JCW RACE 2 REPORT

SNETTERTON JCW RACE 2 REPORT

David Robinson claimed his maiden MINI CHALLENGE victory by edging out Jac Maybin in an absolute thriller of a second race at Snetterton.

SNETTERTON JCW RACE 1 REPORT

SNETTERTON JCW RACE 1 REPORT

Having enjoyed a perfect start to the season so far, Ant Whorton-Eales suffered the disappointment of retirement in the first outing at Snetterton

SNETTERTON JCW PREVIEW

SNETTERTON JCW PREVIEW

Luke Reade believes that he can stay firmly in the fight for this year’s JCW Championship if he can continue his run of early season consistency.

SNETTERTON COOPER S REPORT

SNETTERTON COOPER S REPORT

With lots of testing carried out by some of the teams and drivers on the preceding Thursday and Friday, expectations were high. Stu Lane was continuing his run…

SNETTERTON COOPER AM/PRO REPORT

SNETTERTON COOPER AM/PRO REPORT

20 cars all fired up ready for qualifying. Although the circuit is 3 miles long drivers need to get clean air or a tow from the car in front to put in a good time….

SNETTERTON COOPER CLASSES PREVIEW

SNETTERTON COOPER CLASSES PREVIEW

The second round of the Cooper Am, Pro and S Classes is approaching and we’re in store for some more action-packed racing as we head to Snetterton.

ROCKINGHAM TV COVERAGE TIMES

ROCKINGHAM TV COVERAGE TIMES

Find out about when the MINI CHALLENGE coverage from Rockingham for the second round of the JCW championship will be aired on Channel 4 and Motors TV.

WHORTON-EALES HITS THE HAT-TRICK

WHORTON-EALES HITS THE HAT-TRICK

Ant Whorton-Eales couldn’t have hoped for a better start to this year’s JCW Championship, having racked up his third win on the bounce in second race at Rockingham.

ANT MAKES IT TWO FROM TWO

ANT MAKES IT TWO FROM TWO

Ant Whorton-Eales fired an ominous warning shot about his intentions for this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship title by taking a dominant victory….

ROCKINGHAM PREVIEW

ROCKINGHAM PREVIEW

Nathan Harrison is hoping to put a troubled first round at Oulton Park behind him this weekend by picking up where he left off at Rockingham in 2016.

CATCHING UP WITH: TOBY GOODMAN

CATCHING UP WITH: TOBY GOODMAN

We interviewed Toby Goodman, who is new to the MINI CHALLENGE this season. We sat down with him at the first round at Donington to find out about his background and thoughts on the season ahead.

CATCHING UP WITH: ELSPETH RODGERS

CATCHING UP WITH: ELSPETH RODGERS

We sat down with Elspeth Rodgers as she begins her first season in the MINI CHALLENGE to find out more about her and her thoughts on the season ahead.

DONINGTON PARK PREVIEW

DONINGTON PARK PREVIEW

Read the web preview about the Cooper Am, Cooper Pro and Cooper S Classes as they head to Donington for the first round of the Cooper championships.

OULTON PARK TV COVERAGE TIMES

OULTON PARK TV COVERAGE TIMES

Find out about when the MINI CHALLENGE coverage from Outlon park for the first round of the JCW championship will be aired on Channel 4 and Motors TV.

OULTON PARK RACE ONE REPORT [UPDATED]

OULTON PARK RACE ONE REPORT [UPDATED]

A post-race penalty to Nathan Harrison handed debutant Ant Whorton-Eales victory in the opening round of the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship at Oulton Park.

OULTON PARK QUALIFYING REPORT

OULTON PARK QUALIFYING REPORT

MINI CHALLENGE newcomer Jordan Collard will start Monday’s first JCW race at Oulton Park from pole position after taking a stunning maiden pole position.

OULTON PARK PREVIEW

OULTON PARK PREVIEW

Rob Smith has designs on fighting for this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship, and hopes to bag a strong start to the season at Oulton Park this Easter weekend.

JORDAN COLLARD TO JOIN JCW FOR 2018

JORDAN COLLARD TO JOIN JCW FOR 2018

Jordan Collard will be joining the MINI CHALLENGE for 2018 and will be competing for the MINI Challenge Rookie cup which caters to up and coming drivers who are new to the series.

CATCHING UP WITH: CALUM KING

CATCHING UP WITH: CALUM KING

Scotsman Callum King will switch to Eurotech Racing for his third season in the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Class this year. King has gradually gained in pace across his first two JCW campaigns, and last year scored finishes inside the top 10 despite a difficult season with mechanical issues and being forced to skip rounds due to unforeseen circumstan

CATCHING UP WITH: ANDY MONTGOMERY

CATCHING UP WITH: ANDY MONTGOMERY

Andy – an IT Project Manager from Yorkshire – is continuing into his second season in the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper S class with the Mad4MINI Motorsport team this year. Last season was successful, finishing third in class with his R53 MINI.

MULTIPLE RACING CHAMPION DAVID ROBINSON JOINS JCW

MULTIPLE RACING CHAMPION DAVID ROBINSON JOINS JCW

Multiple racing champion David Robinson will aim to add this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW honours to his career haul after signing with Excelr8 Motorsport. Robinson, 29, will tackle the full JCW season with Excelr8…

TAELOR SHAND JOINS MINI CHALLENGE IN THE JCW CLASS

TAELOR SHAND JOINS MINI CHALLENGE IN THE JCW CLASS

Taelor Shand joins Excelr8 Motorsport for her first full season racing in the MINI CHALLENGE in the JCW class. Taelor is no stranger to racing in Mini’s however, Taelor’s first experience of circuit racing was in 2015…

ETHAN PITT TO RETURN TO COOPER CLASS FOR 2018

ETHAN PITT TO RETURN TO COOPER CLASS FOR 2018

Car racing rookie Ethan Pitt will return to the MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Championship for his first full season of racing this year. Pitt will campaign with experienced squad Sussex Road and Race.

16-YEAR OLD JAC MAYBIN TO COMPETE IN JCW.

16-YEAR OLD JAC MAYBIN TO COMPETE IN JCW.

Jac will compete in the premier class within the MINI CHALLENGE Series boasting grids of over 30 drivers. With identical 2 litre turbo 265bhp JCW cars the MINI CHALLENGE…

CATCHING UP WITH: GEORGE SUTTON

CATCHING UP WITH: GEORGE SUTTON

George Sutton is returning to MINI CHALLENGE in 2018 after a successful first season in the JCW Class, finishing 8th in the championship amongst some very experienced and talented drivers.

JCW 2017 SEASON REVIEW

JCW 2017 SEASON REVIEW

We look back at the 2017 season to see how Brett Smith won the 2017 JCW Championship. Smith’s season began strongly, if not sensationally. A podium at Oulton Park was followed by a disappointing weekend at Rockingham.

2018 SEASON PROVISIONAL CALENDAR RELEASED

2018 SEASON PROVISIONAL CALENDAR RELEASED

Next year’s MINI CHALLENGE championships will be fought over 35 races across 15 weekends as the calendars for both the top-flight JCW category and hotly contested Cooper & Open series have been revealed.

SNETTERTON COOPER CLASS REPORT

SNETTERTON COOPER CLASS REPORT

A very early start to decide the outcome of the Pro and Am classes of the MINI CHALLENGE. Expectations were high and the pressure was on to bring home enough points to claim the class wins in both classes.

SNETTERTON OPEN CLASS REPORT

SNETTERTON OPEN CLASS REPORT

10 cars lined up for qualifying. Great to have Jono Davis back with his super-fast R53 (not a typo it is an R53). Neal Clark joined us with his Norfolk cars R53 too, So plenty of whining! (Supercharger noise).

JCW RACE 2 REPORT FROM DONINGTON

JCW RACE 2 REPORT FROM DONINGTON

Brett Smith capped his year in perfect fashion by securing a dominant double at Donington, scorching up the order on the reversed grid. Smith drew number four from the hat so began the final race…

JCW RACE 1 REPORT FROM DONINGTON

JCW RACE 1 REPORT FROM DONINGTON

Brett Smith overcame his starting fears to take a controlled victory in the penultimate race of the season. Having already secured the JCW crown during the last outing at Oulton Park…

JCW DONINGTON QUALIFYING REPORT

JCW DONINGTON QUALIFYING REPORT

New MINI CHALLENGE JCW champion Brett Smith again showed his class in qualifying at Donington Park to secure pole position for the penultimate race of the season on Sunday.

JCWs HEAD TO DONINGTON FOR SEASON FINAL

JCWs HEAD TO DONINGTON FOR SEASON FINAL

Reece Barr insists he’s feeling no pressure ahead of a tense Rookie Cup showdown at Donington Park this weekend, while his biggest rival Max Bladon is determined to try and hunt him down in the points.

DONINGTON PARK OPEN RACE REPORT

DONINGTON PARK OPEN RACE REPORT

With just qualifying to do on Saturday the drivers and crews were busy polishing and making sure cars were up to their best. Some had been testing on the Thursday and Friday. Chloe Hewitt was having problems…

DONINGTON PARK COOPER RACE REPORT

DONINGTON PARK COOPER RACE REPORT

A nice early start with qualifying and 1 race on Saturday and 1 race on Sunday Morning. Bryony King and Ethan Pitt were guest drivers this weekend, hopefully entering next year’s MINI CHALLENGE.

MODERN MINI FEATURES BRANDS HATCH MINI FESTIVAL

MODERN MINI FEATURES BRANDS HATCH MINI FESTIVAL

This month’s Modern Mini magazine covers the Mini Festival which took place on the 8 – 9th July and featured all classes of the MINI CHALLENGE. To find out more, pick up a copy of this Months Modern Mini.

JCW DRIVER SARAH MOORE FEATURES IN MODERN MINI

JCW DRIVER SARAH MOORE FEATURES IN MODERN MINI

This Month’s Modern MINI Magazine reported on the JCW driver, Sarah Moore as she tried out racing in the JCW class. Sarah has competed in one round this season and hopes to come back for a full season in 2018.

OULTON PARK COOPER CLASS REPORT

OULTON PARK COOPER CLASS REPORT

The circuit configuration used for the MINI Festival was the Fosters Circuit. A first time for many. No fast left turn from Cascades entry into Lakeside but an adverse camber right hand turn into Fosters…

OULTON PARK OPEN CLASS REPORT

OULTON PARK OPEN CLASS REPORT

A small turnout but a quality field of just 7 cars. Up to 12 laps of the Fosters circuit were possible on the wet track. Ben Dimmack was his usual quick straight away, but it took 10 laps to put in the pole time.

OULTON PARK JCW QUALIFYING REPORT

OULTON PARK JCW QUALIFYING REPORT

Having endured four nightmare races prior to the MINI CHALLENGE’s return to Oulton Park, Max Bladon gave the perfect signal that he’s ready to return to form by snatching JCW pole in a tricky qualifying session.

OULTON PARK JCW RACE 1 REPORT

OULTON PARK JCW RACE 1 REPORT

Henry Neal broke his JCW duck in emphatic style in the first race at Oulton Park, but the outing ended under difficult circumstances after a multi-car accident at the Knickerbrook corner in difficult conditions.

OULTON PARK JCW RACE 2 REPORT

OULTON PARK JCW RACE 2 REPORT

George Sutton made it two new winners from two rather frustrating races at Oulton Park, as the rookies came to the fore in the final race of the weekend. Sutton led home fellow Rookie Cup challengers Reece Barr and Max…

OULTON PARK PREVIEW, WITH MAX BLADON

OULTON PARK PREVIEW, WITH MAX BLADON

Max Bladon says he needs to turn back the clock this Saturday at Oulton Park, and attack the penultimate round of the season in the same way he did during the opening weekend of the year.

Catching up with: Stuart Gibbs

Catching up with: Stuart Gibbs

Catching up with Stuart Gibbs, Stuart starting racing in the MINI CHALLENGE in 2017 with a JCW prepared and run by ExcelR8. Stuart is just 47 years old and lives in Weston Super Mare and has been married twice. Stuart served in the Army for 14 years and has been...

JCW RACE 2 REPORT BRANDS HATCH GP

JCW RACE 2 REPORT BRANDS HATCH GP

Brett Smith took another big stride toward sealing this year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship crown, by claiming his fourth victory of the season after a tight final battle at Brands Hatch.

JCW RACE 1 REPORT BRANDS HATCH GP

JCW RACE 1 REPORT BRANDS HATCH GP

Rob Smith is fast becoming a Brands Hatch specialist after securing another victory at the Kent venue in a truncated first outing at the Kent venue’s Grand Prix Circuit. Rob led from lights-to-flag to secure a second victory…

BRANDS HATCH JCW QUALIFYING REPORT

BRANDS HATCH JCW QUALIFYING REPORT

Rob Smith snatched a dramatic last-gasp pole position at Brands Hatch after making late progress in a tricky, drenched qualifying session. After a gloriously sunny morning at the Kent venue, the storm clouds arrived…

BRANDS HATCH OPEN RACE REPORT

BRANDS HATCH OPEN RACE REPORT

A Nice early start for the 9 open class cars for R53 and R56 “S” or JCWs. 15 minutes around the short Indy circuit. Ben Dimmack (R56) was fast straight out of the blocks and clinched P1 on the 3rd lap. Rob Austin (R56) tried…

BRANDS HATCH COOPER AM/PRO RACE REPORT

BRANDS HATCH COOPER AM/PRO RACE REPORT

With a nice covering of cloud and good temperatures, the 18 Cooper Pro/ Am cars were all eager and pent up ready to “put the pedal to the metal” In the Pro class of 11 cars, favourites to go well was Sam Weller…

BRANDS HATCH JCW RACE 3 REPORT

BRANDS HATCH JCW RACE 3 REPORT

After his race two upturn, David Grady went two better in the finale, with a scorching start helping him to a stunning victory to cap off MSVR’s annual MINI Festival. Grady started fourth on the reversed grid…

BRANDS HATCH JCW RACE 2 REPORT

BRANDS HATCH JCW RACE 2 REPORT

Charlie Butler-Henderson landed his second JCW victory of the season in a tempestuous second race at Brands, but only after a post-race penalty for championship leader Brett Smith.

BRANDS HATCH JCW RACE 1 REPORT

BRANDS HATCH JCW RACE 1 REPORT

Rob Smith withheld intense pressure to secure his first MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship victory since 2015 in the first race at Brands Hatch. The MINI UK VIP driver produced a superb defensive display…

BRANDS HATCH JCW QUALIFYING REPORT

BRANDS HATCH JCW QUALIFYING REPORT

Rob Smith scored his second pole of the season in a truncated MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship qualifying at Brands Hatch. The MINI UK VIP driver beat namesake Brett Smith…

Under the microscope: MINI CHALLENGE Girls

Under the microscope: MINI CHALLENGE Girls

Under the microscope: MINI CHALLENGE Girls To celebrate Women is Sports week, I thought we would take a look at the Girls who form an integral part of the MINI CHALLENGE. What was originally thought to be a few actually turned out to be many! Jessica Hawkins Jessica’s...

MODERN MINI REPORTS ON SILVERSTONE ROUNDS

MODERN MINI REPORTS ON SILVERSTONE ROUNDS

Modern MINI Magazine reported on both the JCW and Cooper/Open rounds from 3rd – 4th June and the 10th -11th June. You can find out more by picking up the latest copy of MODERNMINI Magazine or view the article here.

JCW CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER GRADUATES TO BTCC

JCW CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER GRADUATES TO BTCC

JCW Championship leader Brett Smith insists that his surprise graduation into this year’s British Touring Car Championship won’t affect his chances of landing this year’s MINI CHALLENGE title.

ROCKINGHAM COOPER REPORT

ROCKINGHAM COOPER REPORT

Nearly midday but overcast for the 17 Cooper Class cars. 10 in the Pro Class, led by Jessica Hawkins and 7 in the Am class led by Stuart Mclaren. A lot of the drivers were struggling to get to know the Rockingham circuit.

ROCKINGHAM OPEN REPORT

ROCKINGHAM OPEN REPORT

Nice bright early start for the Open Class, a quick run around the Motor Speedway International circuit to heat the tyres up and away they all go. Only 8 cars but not a lot to choose between any of them.

Under the Microscope: George Sutton Racing

Under the Microscope: George Sutton Racing

George Sutton Racing Under the Microscope What an impact George has had in the opening rounds of the 2017 MINI CHALLENGE. George is currently in 10th place after the 4 opening rounds. With 15th and 9th places at Oulton Park, a DNF and 16th at Rockingham (starting at...

SILVERSTONE JCW RACE 2 REPORT

SILVERSTONE JCW RACE 2 REPORT

Max Bladon secured his second victory of the season in a truncated second race at Silverstone. Much of which took place under the safety car.

SILVERSTONE JCW RACE 1 REPORT

SILVERSTONE JCW RACE 1 REPORT

SILVERSTONE JCW RACE 1 REPORT Brett Smith extended his points lead in the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship in an emotionally charged first race at Silverstone, winning the day after his father Jeff was hospitalised after a serious accident in the British Touring Car...

SILVERSTONE QUALIFYING REPORT

SILVERSTONE QUALIFYING REPORT

SILVERSTONE JCW QUALIFYING REPORT Brett Smith continued his current hot streak by claiming pole for the first race at Silverstone after a nip and tuck battle with his namesake Rob Smith. The two Smiths were the class of the field and between them secured an all-Smith...

SILVERSTONE JCW PREVIEW

SILVERSTONE JCW PREVIEW

Rob Smith is hoping that consistency and a change in fortune can help him return to the top step of the MINI CHALLENGE podium at Silverstone this weekend, the site of his first CHALLENGE victory back in 2014. Smith looked odds-on to record his first race win for two...

SILVERSTONE COOPER REPORT

SILVERSTONE COOPER REPORT

Qualifying:       Weather: Bright/Dry       Duration: 15 minutes The Silverstone National Circuit, the one the BTCC use, suits the MINIs well. 3 blasts and a technical bit around Brooklands and Luffield. With 15 minutes,  19 cars and a potential 12 laps, it was all...

SILVERSTONE OPEN CLASS REPORT

SILVERSTONE OPEN CLASS REPORT

Qualifying:       Weather: Bright/Dry       Duration: 15 minutes The R53 and R56, 10 cars in all, to race around the National Circuit. A few cars were missing due to Exams and other commitments.  A great shame as this is a very competitive class. Andrew Tsang was...

SNETTERTON RACE 3 REPORT

SNETTERTON RACE 3 REPORT

Brett Smith became the first double winner of the MINI CHALLENGE season by taking a dominant victory in the third outing at Snetterton, as yet more of his championship rivals suffered setbacks in Norfolk. Brett completed his double to assume the championship lead...

SNETTERTON RACE 2 REPORT

SNETTERTON RACE 2 REPORT

Brett Smith kept the unprecedented run of different race winners going by becoming the sixth different driver to top the podium in the opening six races this year – and his chances of landing this year’s title received a boost as leader Reece Barr suffered heartbreak...

SNETTERTON RACE 1 REPORT

SNETTERTON RACE 1 REPORT

Jeff Smith secured his first MINI CHALLENGE victory of the season to make it five different winners from the first five races after a thrilling first outing at Snetterton. The British Touring Car Championship regular soaked up intense pressure from championship leader...

JCW QUALIFYING SNETTERTON

JCW QUALIFYING SNETTERTON

Rob Smith snatched his first pole position of the season in a bizarre qualifying session at Snetterton, after which two of the championship challengers will start on the back row. While the cars headed to the collecting area in bright sunshine, rain was on the...

SNETTERTON JCW PREVIEW

SNETTERTON JCW PREVIEW

Brett Smith is hopeful that his impressive race pace so far this season can begin to manifest itself as on-track results at Snetterton this weekend. Eurotech Racing driver Smith has been one of the stars of the campaign so far, regularly showing front-running pace...

MINI CHALLENGE FEATURES IN MODERN MINI

MINI CHALLENGE FEATURES IN MODERN MINI

MINI CHALLENGE features in the latest issue of Modern MINI. This issue covers all of the classes in the championships and looks at how some of the drivers got into the series.

Catching up with: Jono Davis

Catching up with: Jono Davis

Catching up with: Jono Davis   Age: 21 From:  Market Deeping, Peterborough. Jono starting racing in the MINI CHALLENGE in 2016 with an R53 prepared by AReeve Motorsport. Doing a full season to get a taster of racing MINIs, and producing some good results....

SNETTERTON OPEN REPORT

SNETTERTON OPEN REPORT

Qualifying: Weather: Changeable Duration: 15 minutes This class is a bit special, it allows all comers, R53s, R56s. Be they an ex-MINI CHALLENGE car, a track day car, or a Cooper S JCW of 2005 vintage. 180bhp per tonne is the rule. Yes, power output was checked and...

SNETTERTON COOPER AM/PRO REPORT

SNETTERTON COOPER AM/PRO REPORT

Qualifying:       Weather: Bright/Dry       Duration: 15 minutes Jessica Hawkins showed 17 others that she was the one to beat.  A blistering performance, improving each time she went past the pits. There were a lot of new names and new cars all out for the opening...

Under the Microscope: OX4 Racing

Under the Microscope: OX4 Racing

OX4 Racing Under the Microscope OX4 Racing are one of the “smaller” teams in the MINI CHALLENGE paddock.  But why OX4? Well that’s the post code of the MINI Plant in Oxford where the MINI is built and where all the team work during the week. Of course, they all have a...

SNETTERTON PREVIEW

SNETTERTON PREVIEW

The long awaited opening rounds of the MINI CHALLENGE Open class and Cooper classes is being held this weekend as part of the MINI Festival at Snetterton. New for this year is the split of the former Cooper Class cars into 2 classes. The Cooper Pro Class running a 135...

CAR MAGAZINE REVIEWS MINI CHALLENGE

CAR MAGAZINE REVIEWS MINI CHALLENGE

CAR Magazine reviews MINI CHALLENGE   CAR Magazine's James Taylor joined us for the first round at Oulton Park this April to try out racing in our guest JCW with the MINI UK JCW Team. Read James' review here as he guides you through his race weekend. Having raced...

ROCKINGHAM RACE 2 REPORT

ROCKINGHAM RACE 2 REPORT

Round: 4         Laps: 14           Weather: Cloudy, dry Reece Barr made it four different winners from as many races this year after scoring an emphatic maiden JCW victory in race two at Rockingham. Barr, a former double Irish karting champion, showed maturity and...

ROCKINGHAM RACE 1 REPORT

ROCKINGHAM RACE 1 REPORT

 Round: 3         Laps: 6             Weather: Sunny, dry Max Bladon learned from his starting errors at Oulton Park to take his maiden JCW victory in a fragmented first race at Rockingham. Bladon didn’t just have to get off the line once to notch his first win in the...

ROCKINGHAM QUALIFYING REPORT

ROCKINGHAM QUALIFYING REPORT

Reece Barr set the pace in the second qualifying session of the season, setting the fastest time on Saturday to sit on provisional pole in what was only his third ever qualifying session in a car, having joined the MINI CHALLENGE from karting. Barr knew a good lap was...

CBH HEADS TO ROCKINGHAM WITH 3 POINT LEAD

CBH HEADS TO ROCKINGHAM WITH 3 POINT LEAD

Former MINI CHALLENGE champion Charlie Butler-Henderson believes circuit unfamiliarity can mix up the pecking order at Rockingham this weekend. The premier JCW category heads to the Corby speedbowl for the second round of the season this weekend, with Butler-Henderson...

Under the Microscope: MINI UK VIP Team

Under the Microscope: MINI UK VIP Team

The MINI UK VIP Team under the Microscope The MINI UK VIP team run 4 cars in the MINI CHALLENGE UK race series including MINI UKs guest drivers. They have the responsibility of ensuring that the drivers and cars that they run are the best in class. An superb example...

Catching up with: Calum King

Catching up with: Calum King

Catching up with: Calum King   Age: 25            From: Aberdeen The King family have become MINI CHALLENGE regulars across the last two seasons, running with the ES Motorsport team. Youngest member, Calum, joined the championship from Scottish club racing, and...

OULTON PARK RACE 2 REPORT

OULTON PARK RACE 2 REPORT

MINI CHALLENGE, Oulton Park Rounds 1-2 RACE REPORT Round: Two    Laps: 8      Weather: Cloudy Charlie Butler-Henderson scored victory in race two of the MINI CHALLENGE JCW opening weekend of the season at Oulton Park to once again stake his claim for a championship...

OULTON PARK RACE 1 REPORT

OULTON PARK RACE 1 REPORT

MINI CHALLENGE, Oulton Park Rounds 1-2 RACE REPORT Round: One     Laps: 7      Weather: Cloudy Mark Wakefield secured his first victory in the MINI CHALLENGE’S JCW class with an assured drive in a shortened opening race of the season at Oulton Park. Wakefield, on...

OULTON PARK QUALIFYING REPORT

OULTON PARK QUALIFYING REPORT

Max Bladon took no time in shaking off the winter cobwebs to continue his fine run of form to take pole position for the MINI CHALLENGE – JCW opening race of the season at Oulton Park. Last season’s Cooper Class champion was fresh from racing an Aston Martin Vantage...

JEFF TO QUALIFY TWO CHAMPIONSHIPS ON ONE DAY

JEFF TO QUALIFY TWO CHAMPIONSHIPS ON ONE DAY

Jeff Smith will pull double duty this weekend, by competing in both the British Touring Car Championship and MINI CHALLENGE at two different circuits on the same day. Smith plans to take part in both the second BTCC round at Donington Park and the CHALLENGE JCW opener...

DOUBLE UK LEGENDS CHAMPION DEAN BRACE JOINS JCW

DOUBLE UK LEGENDS CHAMPION DEAN BRACE JOINS JCW

Double UK Legends champion Dean Brace will join the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship this season with Lawrence Davey Racing. Brace has a hugely successful background in Legends racing, having won the overall titles in both 2013 and 2014 – his 2014 achievement also...

FULL GRID AT OULTON PARK THIS EASTER

FULL GRID AT OULTON PARK THIS EASTER

This year’s MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship will roar into life with a capacity grid for its first races this Easter Bank Holiday at Oulton Park on April 17. With just over a week to go until the lights go out on another season, the CHALLENGE’s premier JCW category...

JACKSON JOINS JCW FOR FULL SEASON

JACKSON JOINS JCW FOR FULL SEASON

Rebecca Jackson will return to the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship this season. TV presenter and journalist Jackson contested select events in the MINI UK-backed guest car last season, and will now take the plunge into a full season of competition. Jackson has a...

FORMULA FORD STAR GOUGH JOINS JCW

FORMULA FORD STAR GOUGH JOINS JCW

Formula Ford 1600 star Stuart Gough will join this year’s JCW Championship, and be reunited with his old single-seater rivals David Grady and Rob Smith. Gough, 36 from Milton Keynes, will contest his first-ever season of front-wheel-drive racing this year aboard the...

COOPER CUP CHAMPION JOINS JCW

COOPER CUP CHAMPION JOINS JCW

Reigning Scottish MINI Cooper Cup champion Paul Bell will graduate into the MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship this year with the Aaron Reeve Motorsport team. Bell, 42, conquered the Knockhill-based Scottish championship in his second full season of MINI racing last...

JCW RACES GAINS LIVE TV COVERAGE

JCW RACES GAINS LIVE TV COVERAGE

MINI UK’s Nicolas Griebner says the manufacturer’s part in gaining live TV coverage this season will give the MINI CHALLENGE “the complete package.” The CHALLENGE’s flagship JCW Championship will benefit from live and free-to-air TV coverage this year after a new deal...

SMITH RETURNS IN 2017 AS MINI UK VIP

SMITH RETURNS IN 2017 AS MINI UK VIP

Multiple MINI CHALLENGE race winner Rob Smith returns to Excler8 Motorsport and the MINI UK VIP team for another season in the Evergreen Tyres backed #37 JCW. Having taken to the podium in his first MINI CHALLENGE event in 2013 and followed this up with a win at...

MINI CHALLENGE TO BE BROADCAST LIVE

MINI CHALLENGE TO BE BROADCAST LIVE

Front Runner to broadcast live and free-to-air MINI CHALLENGE UK races from all 6 of the UK British GT rounds British GT Championship & MINI Challenge fans will be able to watch this season’s, as well as those of its MINI CHALLENGE support category, live, for free...

WAKEFIELD JOINS TEAM EXCELR8 FOR 2017

WAKEFIELD JOINS TEAM EXCELR8 FOR 2017

Mark Wakefield has targeted a significant jump up the grid this season after joining Excelr8 Motorsport for his second season in the JCW Championship. The 19-year-old from Cheshire will be entering his fourth season in the MINI CHALLENGE, but his first with a...

BLADON GRADUATES TO JCW CLASS

BLADON GRADUATES TO JCW CLASS

Cooper Class dominator and Sunoco Challenge winner Max Bladon will graduate to the MINI CHALLENGE’s JCW Championship this season. Bladon has agreed to race a Bizkarts-backed JCW with the Excelr8 Motorsport team for what will be his third campaign in car racing. The...

REECE BARR JOINS 2017 JCW CLASS

REECE BARR JOINS 2017 JCW CLASS

Double Irish karting champion Reece Barr will tackle the full MINI CHALLENGE JCW Championship this year with Excelr8 Motorsport. Barr, 16, marked himself out as a rising star in domestic karting, racking up back-to-back titles in the All-Ireland MiniMax championship...

MCUK FEATURED IN MOTORWERKS

MCUK FEATURED IN MOTORWERKS

MINICHALLENGE features in MotorWorks Magazine, including details on Reece Barr, Paul Bell, and Charlie Butler-Henderson. A MEGA BMW issue with coverage from 2016 and BMW's 100th Anniversary. It is truly International with coverage from New Zealand, Australia, the UK...

JEFFS GRADUATES TO JCW CLASS

JEFFS GRADUATES TO JCW CLASS

Reigning MINI CHALLENGE Cooper S Class champion Scott Jeffs will graduate into the top-flight JCW category this year. The 19-year-old from Stratford upon Avon will run one of the new Gen 3 F56 machines as a privateer entry, following his title success last season in...

MINI CHALLENGE LAUNCHES IN JAPAN

MINI CHALLENGE LAUNCHES IN JAPAN

MINI CHALLENGE Japan showed off a MINI CHALLENGE UK JCW race car at the Auto Saloon Show in Tokyo on the 13th January 2017 to help launch a new race series in Japan. For more information on MINI CHALLENGE Japan, go to https://minichallenge.jp/

GRADY WINS BEST OF BRITISH

GRADY WINS BEST OF BRITISH

Reigning MINI CHALLENGE champion David Grady will return to defend his title this year after landing a budget boost courtesy of being named the winner of this year’s Best of British Award. Grady will benefit from a £14,000 prize, consisting of a package of entry fees,...

BLADON MAKES ENDURANCE DEBUT AT DAYTONA

BLADON MAKES ENDURANCE DEBUT AT DAYTONA

MINI CHALLENGE Cooper champion Max Bladon is preparing to make his endurance racing debut at Daytona International Speedway next weekend (January 28-29), having won the Sunoco Challenge contest. Bladon beat off competition from 166 drivers competing across 11 other UK...

CHARLIE SIGNS UP WITH ELMS

CHARLIE SIGNS UP WITH ELMS

Charlie signs up with ELMS MINI CHALLENGE star Charlie Butler-Henderson has teamed up with Elms MINI Cambridge for the 2017 season. Former CHALLENGE champion Butler-Henderson, who is also a Brand Ambassador for MINI UK, will feature Elms Cambridge logos on his car and...

CHAMPION TESTS TOURING CAR

CHAMPION TESTS TOURING CAR

Newly crowned MINI CHALLENGE champion David Grady had his maiden test in a British Touring Car recently, as part of his prize for lifting this year’s JCW title. Grady was rewarded with a fully funded test in a Motorbase Performance Ford Focus at Snetterton, courtesy...

JCW SNETTERTON REPORT

JCW SNETTERTON REPORT

MINI CHALLENGE, JCW, Snetterton Rounds: 17-19 Round: 17    Laps: 10    Weather: Cloudy, dry David Grady stole the momentum in the chase for this year’s MINI CHALLENGE Championship with race one victory at Snetterton, but his rivals are still right on his tail. After...

COOPER, S, OPEN SNETTERTON REPORT

COOPER, S, OPEN SNETTERTON REPORT

MINI CHALLENGE Cooper S and Cooper, Snetterton, Rounds 16-18 Round: 16    Laps: 9    Weather: Cloudy, dry Scott Jeffs took a step closer to this year’s Cooper S Class title with victory in the opening race of the Snetterton finale, having recovered from a grid...

SNETTERTON PREVIEW

SNETTERTON PREVIEW

The four main contenders for the MINI CHALLENGE title are predicting a tense showdown at Snetterton this weekend, with each knowing a single mistake could end their charge. While six drivers from the premier JCW Class go into Norfolk with a shot at the championship...

MINI CHALLENGE 2017 TASTER DAY

MINI CHALLENGE 2017 TASTER DAY

TASTER DAYS - NEW DONINGTON DATE ADDED Considering racing in the MINI CHALLENGE in 2017? Win a chance to win one of two Dunlop Official BTCC tests? Best of British and other prizes worth over £35,000? The dates are: Snetterton - Thursday 17th November Donington -...

Catching up with: Keith Issatt

Catching up with: Keith Issatt

Catching up with: Keith Issatt A MINI CHALLENGE regular for over a decade, Keith Issatt recalls why he got started in motor racing, and why he keeps coming back to MINI racing. What got you started in the sport? “My wife bought a basic Cooper for the road and I took...

2017 JCW CALENDAR

2017 JCW CALENDAR

JCW 2017 CALENDAR Following our announcement that the MINI CHALLENGE will join the British GT package from 2017 we are now delighted to announce the provisional JCW Class calendar:

MINI CHALLENGE 2016 BRANDS HATCH MINI FESTIVAL

MINI CHALLENGE 2016 BRANDS HATCH MINI FESTIVAL

MINI CHALLENGE 2016 BRANDS HATCH MINI FESTIVAL By David Young Sun, more sun, 60 MINIs, the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit and the MINI Challenge returned to Brands. As part of the MSVR MINI Festival, the MINI Challenge played the starring role of the weekend. The pit...

CADWELL COOPER S/OPEN REPORT

CADWELL COOPER S/OPEN REPORT

MINI CHALLENGE Cooper S/Open Cadwell Park Rounds 14-15 Round: 14                   Laps: 9            Weather: Raining, wet Both Neil Newstead and Carlito Miracco had similar days at Cadwell Park, they had a win each but after Miracco was black-flagged in race one for...

CADWELL COOPER REPORT

CADWELL COOPER REPORT

MINI CHALLENGE Cooper Cadwell Park Rounds 14-15 Round 14 Laps 10 Weather, raining – wet Max Bladon returned to winning ways at Cadwell Park, but had to work for it, after qualifying fourth in a twice red flagged qualifying session. But it was enough to crown him the...

CADWELL PREVIEW

CADWELL PREVIEW

Cooper Class dominator Max Bladon has pledged not to back off at Cadwell Park this weekend, despite being on the verge of landing the title. Bladon carries a whopping 225-point lead into the standalone Cadwell Park double-header. With just five races remaining, a top...

MINI CHALLENGE JOINS BRITISH GT

MINI CHALLENGE JOINS BRITISH GT

MINI CHALLENGE joins British GT Championship for 2017 • Top-level JCW Championship moves to British GT race package • Major championship expansion across all classes • MINI UK to increase support from 2017 Next season the MINI CHALLENGE will join the British GT...

OULTON PARK JCW REPORT

OULTON PARK JCW REPORT

MINI CHALLENGE Oulton Park, rounds 15-16 Round: 15    Laps: 4    Weather: Intermittent rain, cloudy Jeff Smith may have broken his MINI CHALLENGE duck with the first win in a turbulent Oulton Park double-header, but much of the focus centred on a frightening accident...

OULTON PARK COOPER REPORT

OULTON PARK COOPER REPORT

MINI CHALLENGE Cooper/S/Open Oulton Park Rounds 12-13 Round: 12 Laps: 11 Weather: Cloudy, damp-drying The second attempt at a first race at Oulton Park was ironically a race of firsts – with Carlito Miracco taking his maiden MINI CHALLENGE victory in the Cooper S...

JCW OULTON PARK PREVIEW

JCW OULTON PARK PREVIEW

Rob Smith says he’s going “all guns blazing” for victory on home turf this weekend as the MINI Challenge JCW title fight rolls into Oulton Park. Smith was a major player in the title battle last season and was the first man to win a race in the new generation F56 JCW...

COOPER, S OULTON PARK PREVIEW

COOPER, S OULTON PARK PREVIEW

Cooper Class frontrunner Josh Gollin believes that car tweaks can be the key to him ending Max Bladon’s domination of the class at Oulton Park. Bladon has very much had the Cooper Class laurels to himself this season, and has so far gone all 11 races this season...

BRANDS HATCH JCW REPORT

BRANDS HATCH JCW REPORT

MINI CHALLENGE JCW Brands Hatch Indy, Rounds: 12-14 Round: 12 Laps: 21 Weather: Sunny, warm Having taken his maiden pole position last time out at Rockingham, Brett Smith carried newfound confidence and momentum into Brands Hatch, and made good use of it to convert a...

BRANDS HATCH COOPER, S REPORT

BRANDS HATCH COOPER, S REPORT

MINI CHALLENGE Cooper S, Open, Cooper Brands Hatch Indy, Rounds: 10-12 Round: 10 Laps: 22 Weather: Sunny, warm Max Bladon came closer than ever to losing his unbeaten streak this season when he dropped as low as fifth on the first lap of the Brands Hatch MINI Festival...

BRANDS HATCH COOPER PREVIEW

BRANDS HATCH COOPER PREVIEW

Racing rookie Michael Bamber is hoping to continue his charge towards the top three in the Cooper Class with a strong showing at Brands Hatch this weekend. Bamber, 27, is currently fifth in the Cooper Class points ahead of his first experience of the MINI Festival at...

BRANDS HATCH JCW PREVIEW

BRANDS HATCH JCW PREVIEW

MINI CHALLENGE veteran Chris Smith isn’t feeling the pressure of chasing a breakthrough race victory this season, and would be content with a strong haul of points at Brands Hatch this weekend. Smith heads into the triple-header around the Kent venue’s Indy Circuit in...

ROCKINGHAM JCW REPORT

ROCKINGHAM JCW REPORT

MINI CHALLENGE, JCW, Rockingham, Rounds: 6-8  Round: 6       Laps: 14        Weather: Cloudy, dry Nathan Harrison claimed the MINI CHALLENGE championship lead, and then lost it after being stripped of the first victory of the weekend. Harrison crossed the line first,...

ROCKINGHAM COOPER, S REPORT

ROCKINGHAM COOPER, S REPORT

MINI CHALLENGE, Cooper & S, Rockingham, Rounds: 7-9 Round: 7 Laps: 13 Weather: Cloudy, dry We’ve seen some periods of dominance within the Cooper Class order throughout the years, and Max Bladon continued his unbeaten streak to make it seven in a row at...

ROCKINGHAM COOPER PREVIEW

ROCKINGHAM COOPER PREVIEW

Car racing rookie Sam Weller is aiming for his breakthrough victory at Rockingham this weekend, after sampling the champagne in the Cooper Class for the first time. Weller was one of the stars of the three races at Silverstone, claiming two second place finishes in...

ROCKINGHAM JCW PREVIEW

ROCKINGHAM JCW PREVIEW

Silverstone double-winner David Grady is confident of continuing his climb up the points table as the MINI Challenge season his the halfway stage at Rockingham this weekend. Grady grabbed his first pole position last time out in Northamptonshire and converted that...

ROCKINGHAM JCW REPORT

ROCKINGHAM JCW REPORT

Round: 6       Laps: 19        Weather: Sunny, warm David Grady celebrated his maiden MINI CHALLENGE pole position, and duly turned it in to his first victory of the season in what could work out to be one of the finest races of the year. Grady held off a charging...

COOPER S, OPEN & COOPER REPORT

COOPER S, OPEN & COOPER REPORT

Round: 4 Laps: 18 Weather: Sunny, warm The old expression says that you only need two cars for a race. The R56 JCW Class may be down on numbers for this year, but they produced a stunning four-way fight for victory in race one at Silverstone. The entry may have been...

Catching up with: Henry Neal

Catching up with: Henry Neal

Will Neal will become the newest member of the Neal racing dynasty to join the MINI CHALLENGE when he lines up on the Cooper Class grid at Donington Park this weekend. Will is the youngest son of three-time British Touring Car champion Matt Neal, and the second member...

Catching up with: Mark Wakefield

Catching up with: Mark Wakefield

Cooper Class star Mark Wakefield is the latest star to sign up to the MINI CHALLENGE’s burgeoning F56 JCW Class this year. Wakefield shone with three race wins during his second season in the Cooper Class last term, which yielded a third place finish in the...

Catching up with: Charlie Butler-Henderson

Catching up with: Charlie Butler-Henderson

Reigning MINI CHALLENGE champion Charlie Butler-Henderson will return to defend his crown wearing the badge of MINI UK after being named as a brand ambassador. Butler-Henderson took seven race wins on his way to a maiden CHALLENGE title last season when running with...

Catching up with: James Turkington

Catching up with: James Turkington

The younger brother of two-time British Touring Car champion Colin, will join the MINI CHALLENGE this season. The 22-year-old from Portadown, Northern Ireland, has chosen to make his first full-time foray into racing on the British mainland in one of the...